Henry Loyd Alston (RIP)

Mr. Henry Loyd “Rip” Alston was born on June 30, 1942, in Louisburg, North Carolina. He was the

eighth of eleven children born to the late Walter P. Alston, Sr. and the late Hattie Dunston Alston.

Henry was raised in a God-fearing home and attended the Warren County School System. At an early

age, he developed a strong spiritual foundation. He later joined East Durham Gospel Tabernacle United

Holy Church under the leadership of Bishop C. V. McCoy. After relocating to Brooklyn, New York,

he became a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, where his brother, Rev. Dr. Walter P. Alston,

Jr., served as pastor.

Affectionately known as “Rip,” Henry earned his nickname through his extraordinary musical talent.

Known for playing the bass guitar behind his back—reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix—he once captivated

a listener who exclaimed, “That man is really ripping those guitar strings!” From that moment on, he

was lovingly called “Rip.”

After moving to Durham, North Carolina, in 1959, Henry joined The Jordaniars in November of that

same year as a baritone singer. He quickly mastered the bass guitar and became a prominent figure in

gospel quartet music. Introduced to The Jordaniars by Jerry Reid of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Henry’s

musical journey flourished. He performed with several well-known gospel groups, including The

Explosive Mighty Tornadoes, Rip and the Rip-Offs, The Golden Tones, Durham Silver Stars, and The

Gospel Landers, among others.

Henry had a strong work ethic and dedicated many years to his profession, working at Piedmont Communications and Satellite City . In 1982, he broke barriers by becoming the first Black installation supervisor at Wolfe & Tweedy, where he led a team of eight. His excellence earned him the prestigious " Best Installation" award, which include a trip to Boston and numerous gifts--an accomplishment he remained proud of throughout his life.

Beyond his professional and musical achievments, Henry had a deep love for gardening. He took great joy in planting and nurturing his crops, especially his famous collard greens, which many considered the best around.  Even during his illness, he continued tending to his garden, planting cabbage, squash, and other vegetables--a testament to his resilience and passion.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Clinton, James, and Albert Alston of Durham, NC., John Alston of Jersey City, and Carey (Tony) Alston of Brooklyn, NY; his sisters, Mrs. Hattie P. Brodie and Pastor Dr. Lillie B. King of Durham, NC;  his great-granddaughter, Kayla of Durham, NC. and his stepson Alex Moore of Lake Waccamaw, NC.

He leaves to cherish his devoted wife, Mrs. Brenda M. Alston of the home; and his daughter, Elder Janet Johnson (Walter) of Durham, NC. a stepson Marcus D. Moore, two step grandsons, Isaiah and Messiah both of the home; He is also survived by four grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Henry is further survived by his brother, Rev. Dr. Walter P. Alston, Jr. (Rev. Gwen Alston) of Rahway, NJ; two sisters, Mrs. Selema A. Johnson (Zander) of Durham, NC. and Ms. Dorothy Alston (Richard) of Queen, NY. his brothers--in-law, Rev. Dr. Henry King, Jr. of Durham, NC. and John H. Moore, Jr. (Renee) of Farmers Union, NC. as well as Mrs. Cynthia Cason (Xavier). of Durham, NC. Ms. Saundra Moore, of Farmers Union, NC. along with host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

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