George Alston Gore

Colonel George “Alston” Gore, 79, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on November 11, 2026, Veterans Day, following a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born on June 5, 1947, in Dillon, South Carolina, he was the son of the late William Edwin Gore, Sr., and Kathleen Hasty Gore of Columbia, South Carolina.

Alston was a 1965 graduate of Dreher High School and a 1969 graduate of Clemson University. While attending Clemson, he was a member of Blue Key, the Student Senate, the Scabbard and Blade honorary military fraternity, and the 1966–1967 Pershing Rifle Drill Team. During his senior year, he served as Class President, directed Tigerama during Homecoming, and was named to Who’s Who in American Universities. He received the Distinguished Military Graduate Award and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

He completed his Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and subsequently trained at Fort Wolters, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Alabama, as a rotary-wing aviator. From September 1970 to September 1971, he served as a pilot with A Company, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division, first at Lai Khe (III Corps) and later at Camp Holloway in Pleiku (II Corps), South Vietnam. During this time, he also served as the company's administrative officer. His unit participated in much of the mid-level conflict in the Central Highlands near Dak To, at the tri-border area of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam. His call sign was "Chickenman 25," and he flew the UH-1H (Huey) helicopter.

After serving with distinction for a year, Alston returned to Columbia and soon thereafter began his career in investments. He served as a Trust Investment Officer for Citizens and Southern National Bank/NationsBank. Ultimately, he retired from BB&T in October 2009 as Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Investment Adviser. Throughout his professional career, he was respected for his knowledge, sound judgment, integrity, and dedication to the individuals and families whose financial interests he served.

His avocation was serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard, where he held numerous positions from 1974 to 2002. During that time, he became Director of Aviation and Safety, Headquarters (HQ) State Area Command (STARC)-SC. Other positions included Chief of the Operations Branch, Emergency Operations Center, HQ STARC; Commander of the 251st Rear Area Operations Center (affiliated with the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg); and Deputy Commander of the 59th Troop Command.

His military service provided him the opportunity to earn his Master Army Aviator wings and remain in the cockpit for 19 of his 31 years of military service. Many of his fellow National Guard pilots were Vietnam veterans, and they became lifelong friends, sharing countless stories, experiences, and memories. The camaraderie and friendships forged through their shared service remained an important and treasured part of his life. Colonel Gore's final assignment was Senior Liaison and Coordination Teams Chief with the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command in Anderson, South Carolina.

His military career was more than a profession or an avocation; it was a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and the men and women with whom he had the privilege of serving. He was proud of his military service and deeply valued the friendships and bonds that endured long after his years in uniform.

A faithful member of Shandon Presbyterian Church, Alston served multiple terms as a trustee and was a member of the Generations Class. His faith was an important part of his life and was reflected in his commitment to his church, his service to others, and the way he approached his responsibilities and relationships.

Alston was an officer and a gentleman, a man of sterling character who was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He was respected and admired for his integrity, dependability, generosity, and quiet leadership. Whether through his military service, professional career, church involvement, or personal relationships, he demonstrated a genuine commitment to others. He was someone others could count on, and his willingness to help whenever needed was among the qualities that made him so special to those who knew him.

His hobbies and passions included fishing in local ponds and in the Canadian outback. He treasured the simple pleasures of time spent outdoors and the friendships and memories made along the way. His favorite bumper stickers reflected those passions and his wonderful sense of humor: "My Other Ride Is a UH-1H (Huey)" and "I'd Rather Be Fishing." These sentiments captured two of the great passions of his life—flying and fishing—and offered a glimpse of the personality behind the distinguished military career.

Above all his professional and military accomplishments, Alston treasured his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 52 years, Leah Chisolm Gore, whom he married in 1973, and a loving and caring father to their three children: Chandler Kathleen (Mark) Hunt, Kathryn "Katie" McCrae (Evan) Townsend, and George Alston Gore, Jr. His children were his pride and joy, and his grandchildren were among his most treasured blessings: Kathleen Grace Hunt, Wyatt Chisolm Townsend, Michaela McCrae Townsend, Olivia (Drew) Girshovich, and Gage Hunt. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Audrey and Pressley Hunt.

Alston took great pride in his children, delighted in his grandchildren, and cherished the opportunity to watch his family grow through another generation. His family was his greatest source of joy, and the love he shared with them was among his most meaningful legacies.

He is also survived by his brother, William Edwin (Bill) Gore, Jr., his sister-in-law, Mary Nelle, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Alston's life was defined by service, loyalty, integrity, faith, and love of family. Whether serving his country in uniform, building a career in the financial community, contributing to his church, or enjoying time with family and friends, he approached life with dedication and a generous spirit. He was proud of his military service, grateful for the friendships it brought him, and most proud of the family he and Leah built together.

His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, the friendships he treasured, the example of service and integrity he set, and the family he loved so dearly. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for who he was: a gentleman, a faithful friend, a devoted husband and father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a man whose life was spent in service to others.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Shandon Presbyterian Church Renovation Fund 606 Woodrow Street Columbia, SC 29205

South Carolina Military Museum 1 National Guard Road Columbia, SC 29201