JACKSONVILLE - Alton Ray Silance, 75, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, August 28, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Infant of Prague Catholic Church with Rev. J. Victor Gournas officiating. Burial will follow at Onslow Memorial Park.

A lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Alton lived a life centered around the people he loved most. Above everything else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family man.

Alton shared 55 years of marriage with his wife, Stephanie Silance. Throughout their life together, Stephanie was always his first priority. He worked hard to make sure she was cared for, loved, and had everything she needed. Their marriage and the family they built together were among the greatest accomplishments of his life.

Alton was a proud father to his sons, Ray Silance and his wife, Angel and Dale Silance, and a loving granddaddy to Brittany Silance, Ellie Silance, Adam Hull, and Ethan Silance. Being a father and granddaddy brought him tremendous joy, and nothing meant more to him than having his family together.

Alton never needed a special occasion to enjoy the company of others. He simply loved people. Some of his happiest times were spent gathered around family and friends, cooking something good, sharing a meal, talking, laughing, and enjoying being together. To Alton, those simple moments were what life was all about.

Alton also enjoyed gardening and was a man of faith who loved his church. Whether he was working in the garden, cooking for those around him, spending time with friends, or sitting among the people he loved, Alton found happiness in the simple blessings of life.

Those who knew Alton will remember a man whose heart was firmly rooted in his family. He loved deeply, cared greatly, and made sure the people closest to him knew how important they were.

After 75 years of life and 55 years beside the woman he loved, Alton leaves behind something that cannot be measured by possessions or accomplishments—a family who knew they were loved.

He will be deeply missed as a husband, a father, a granddaddy, and a friend, but the love he gave his family and the memories they made together will remain with them for generations to come.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, September 1, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel.