Colin Lytton Aliff
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Colin Lytton Aliff went to be with our Lord on Friday, January 7, 2022 following an extended illness. Colin was born October 24, 1971 in Lexington, KY, son of John Vincent Aliff and Mary Rebecca "Becky" Morris.
"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18.
Colin graduated with honors from John Milledge Academy High School Milledgeville, GA and was recognized as a Baldwin County Star Student. He then attended Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA where he obtained his Bachelors of Science in Chemistry. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from The Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 1997 and served his family practice residency at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. He later completed Georgia P.O.S.T. training and was a certified Georgia deputy sheriff. He furthered his qualifications with advanced law enforcement training throughout the United States.
Colin chose a devoted life of service, caring for others through two fields, medicine and law enforcement. Before his retirement he practiced family medicine in the Augusta area and later accepted the position of Director of Emergency Medicine at Washington County Regional Medical Center. As a law enforcement officer, Colin served as deputy Sheriff in several Georgia counties. He also worked specialized cases requiring the full range of his medical knowledge and received recognition and several commendations for this service. Strong lifelong friendships were forged between Colin and his colleagues during these years.
Early in life, Colin developed a love and understanding of nature; wildlife, birds, woodlands, plants, and domestic animals. He was proud of his vegetable gardens, always trying different and new plants. He was a creative cook and always made time in the kitchen an event. He had an appreciation for a wide variety of music and a vast collection of CDs and albums. Music was a part of his daily life. Sports cars and muscle cars fascinated him from childhood and he had the pleasure of owning several. Despite his illness, he continued with regular gym workouts. He found increasing calm and comfort with his constant companion, his dog Pepper.
Those who knew Colin before his illness describe him as someone who wanted to help make people safe, that he was one of the smartest and humblest persons they ever knew, a rare combination. His compassion for others often brought him sadness because of the pain he saw. He truly cared about others and how they felt. They remember him striking up conversations with anyone. He had a way of making people feel comfortable around him. Colin was a true friend. He would drop whatever he was doing to come to anyone's time of need. He was always steady and had the best sense of humor. He had a way of making people laugh and would never be afraid to laugh at himself. All agree that whatever Colin did he did whole-heartedly and with full commitment. Such a good spirit. He was an honorable man. He will be missed.
Most important to Colin was his daughter, Lexie. They had an unbreakable bond. It was always a joy to see Colin and Lexie together. Being with them, it was easy to see that no other love in the world is like the love of a father for his daughter.
Colin was a man of faith. He knew our Lord. He loved Jesus. He enjoyed reading the scriptures and he studied them daily. He had a deep understanding of the Bible and found purpose and joy in sharing its message.
Colin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harry William Morris, Huntington, WV, and Mary Eloise Williams Morris Brook, Macon GA, Sherman Thomas Aliff, Pittsburg PA. and Opal Agnes Litton Aliff Bluefield WV; very special great grandmother, Cornella Smallwood Williams, Daytona Beach, FL formerly of Huntington, WV.
Survivors include his daughter, Lexie Elaine Aliff and her mother, Katy Elaine Cook Aliff, Augusta, GA; parents, John Vincent Aliff (Roxy Ann Warren), Auburn GA and Mary Rebecca (Becky) Morris, Cartersville, GA; sisters, Alison Margaret Aliff Killebrew (John), Woodstock, GA, Elaine Opal Warren-Aliff Martin (Blake), Chicago, IL; brothers, John Manley Warren-Aliff, Ashville, NC William Vincent Warren-Aliff, Auburn, GA; father and mother in law, Robert and Joyce Cook, Augusta, GA, who offered the family support during this journey; cousins, Christopher Wayne Bailey (April Detlefsan), Clarksville, TN, Marcus Vincent Bailey (Stephanie Bartley), Mesa, AZ, Anthony Clay Bailey (Katiuscia Walker), Grand Rapids, MI; three nieces, two sisters in law, and one brother in law also survive.
The family is most grateful to Melissa (Missy) Black Pulliam, Sparta, GA, for the loving care she provided Colin during his last years. Because of Missy, her daughters Alexis and Taylor and their families, Colin felt safe and supported.
Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to post and sigh the on-line register. Owen Funeral Home 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, GA is honored to help Colin's family during this difficult time.