Highlands, NC: Christopher Nathan Alley, 81, peacefully ended his long battle with Alzheimer's at his home in Highlands on October 18th, 2022 with his wife, daughters, and cherished kitties by his side. Chris was born in Lowell, Massachusetts on September 2, 1941. Shortly after his birth, his family moved south. His educator parents relocated often, creating fond memories in Florida, South Carolina, Illinois, and Georgia. After attending Grady High School in Atlanta, Chris joined the Navy, cultivating his lifelong love of the sea. He was stationed in Puerto Rico where he was blessed with his first child, Brian. He served on the USS Oglethorpe during the Cuban Missile Crisis before taking a tour of duty throughout the Mediterranean. Following his four years in the Navy, Chris settled in Atlanta where he proudly welcomed his first daughter, Heather. He worked as a bartender in Underground Atlanta and The Henry Grady Hotel. He was instrumental in opening The Lark and the Dove, as well as The Regency Hotel, where he collected a lifetime's worth of comedic material and had fond memories of serving Mickey Mantle. His charismatic networking ability led him to become a buyer for Sonesta Hotels, and later the owner of Interior Service Group, a commercial systems installation company. While carrying out a job for AT&T, he met his wife Donna, a commercial interior designer. They shared a dream of escaping the city, and four years later moved to Highlands after purchasing Colonial Pines Inn, which they owned and operated for 36 years while raising their daughter, Meghan. During his time in Highlands, Chris worked as a Realtor for The Chambers Agency. He also served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, on the vestry at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, and selflessly donated his time on mission trips to Mexico, South Dakota, and Haiti. A lover of animals and nature, Chris had a deep appreciation for the special flora and fauna of Highlands, which he imparted to his children, inspiring his eldest daughter's career as a conservation biologist. A lifelong traveler, he was endlessly curious and fascinated by the diverse culture and history of the world, inspiring his youngest daughter's career in the travel industry. Chris will be most remembered by his friends and loved ones for his sharp wit, quirky sense of humor, appreciation for all things beautiful, love of laughter, and the ever-present twinkle in his eye. He inspired many with his tireless zest for life. Chris was preceded in death by his beloved British mother, Enid Mary Noel MacDonald; his father, Samuel Brown Alley; his stepfather, Franklin Henry Kaler; and his brother, Peter Brian Alley. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Donna Alley; son, Brian Alley, of Fajardo, Puerto Rico (Arlene Alley); daughter, Heather Alley of Athens, Georgia (John Donnelly); daughter, Meghan Alley of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands (Jeremy Schachner); sister, Susan Porter of Gainesville, Georgia (Janet Scott); sister-in-law, Heidi Benz of St. Mary's, Georgia; sister-in-law, Pam Ammar of Naples, Florida (Nick Ammar); brother-in-law, Tom Hill of Tucker, Georgia (Annette Shakespeare); grandchildren, Nicole, Kevin, Owen, and Lucas; and many dear nieces and nephews, to whom he was a favorite uncle. The family would like to thank his caregivers: Vicki Palmer, Juliani Arteaga, Delores Jones, and especially Robert Doe, Melissa Stiwinter, and Jenny King, who were not only loving and dedicated caregivers, but living angels who carried him and his family through his last days with unconditional love and devotion. Because of them, he was able to live out his final months at home, surrounded by those who will cherish him in their hearts always. Memorial donations may be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Highlands-Cashiers Humane Society, or Four Seasons Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Moffitt Family Funeral Care is honored to serve such a great man and his family. Online condolences may be made at www.moffittfunerals.com .