Alton Landry

Alton “Al” Joseph Landry October 21, 1950 – January 4, 2011 Alton “Al” Joseph Landry, native of Morgan City and long time resident of Baton Rouge, went home to the Lord on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. Al, known to family as Joe, was a devout Christian who loved his family and friends and was always ready to help anyone he could. His wise-cracking sense of humor will be remembered. Al, was born October 21, 1950 to Virgie Billiot Landry Gray and Lee Alton “Dan” Landry and later raised by his mother and his second father, Matthew “Matt” Gray, Jr. He spent his final moments doing what he loved, working outside in nature with the Lord. Al attended US Army OCS achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant and served his country in the United States Army Reserve. Al was a life-long sports and fitness enthusiast who ran many marathons including the Boston Marathon in 1984 during his 3,100 plus mile run from Baton Rouge to Boston. At that time he received the key to the City of his home town, Morgan City, as well as the City of Boston. He worked in radio and television for many years with stations in Morgan City, Lake Charles and Baton Rouge Al’s love of nature and seeking the truth led to his career as an arborist and his Master of Public Administration from LSU with concentrations in political science and forestry. Although Al cut down trees for a living, he did this as a last resort. He preferred the management of restoring, planting, and pruning trees. In Al’s own words from his Facebook page: “I am a prolific reader... Have associate degrees in pre law, mass communication-journalism, broadcast journalism...minors in political science and forestry. Master's degree in government. Over 20 active years in radio and television broadcasting. Served as sports anchor and sports and feature reporter. Also worked as video photographer and news editor. Professional arborist and one of the oldest active climbers in Louisiana. Well studied in natural healing and organic landscape with a proposed radio program entitled "Body and Soil," with a passion for tying these topics with the Bible. Another passion for investigative law and political research and reporting on it and always digging for the absolute truth.” His favorite quotes were: John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son ....” Nathan Hale: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Edmund Burke: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing." Al is survived by his wife, Nancy Pennison Landry of Baton Rouge; one son, Landon “Dilan” Landry of Dallas, Texas; his mother, Virgie Billiot Gray of Morgan City; four sisters, Patricia “Pat” and her husband August Arnould of Baton Rouge, Deborah “Debbie” Kovac of Baton Rouge, Janice Gray of Morgan City, and Robbie Gray of Baton Rouge; two granddaughters, Heather and Kayla Landry of Dallas, Texas; and one grandson, James Landry of Dallas, Texas. He was preceded in death by both of his fathers, Lee Alton “Dan” Landry and Matthew “Matt” Gray, Jr. All services will be held at Twin City Funeral Home, 412 Fourth Street, Morgan City, Louisiana. Visitation is Friday, January 7, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. with burial following at the Morgan City Cemetery. Al will be buried with full military honors provided by the East St. Mary Veterans Funeral Squad.