Mr. Timothy R. Alston

TIMOTHY RUDOLPH ALSTON President of TRA Medical Supply Company, Inc., died Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, surrounded by family and friends at Washington Hospital Center. Affectionately known as Timmy and Uncle Tim to his family and close friends, was born on November 15, 1959, to the late Flora Irene Carter and Paul Rudolph Alston of Washington, DC. Timothy Rudolph Alston graduated from Fairmount High School in Chapel Oaks, MD, where he was an honor student and star basketball player. Diligent in his pursuit academically, he accepted and received an academic scholarship instead of accepting an athletic scholarship to Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in finance. In 1986, he earned his Masters of Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Finance from the Pennsylvania State University. Following a ten year career travelling aboard in the banking and international finance arena, Timothy R. Alston began putting into motions his dream to start his own company. In 1991, TRA Medical Supply Company, Inc. was launched and the rest is history. Tim’s goal in creating TRA Medical Supply Company, Inc. was inspired by an unwavering desire to be the captain of his own destiny. Tim believed that minority companies contributed valuable services not only to the industry and to the economy but it was also good for the community. After several years, Tim was able to build TRA Medical Supply Company, Inc. into a vital and thriving company that is now recognized throughout the east coast region of the United States. Tim was a man who saw challenges as opportunities and for every opportunity he believed it was his duty to give back to his community and to share any and all successes. Tim, the youngest son of a single mother, knew first-hand the importance of reaching back in his attempt to make a difference in the lives of others. His motto: when you know better and can do better you are obligated to help make someone else’s life better. Seeing his mother build a life for him and his brother as a single mother, inspired Tim to create “Boys To Men Global’ a mentoring and tutoring program he launched in partnership with Empowering Minds Foundation, Inc., an educational organization headquartered in Prince Georges County, Maryland. The first program was launched at Surrantsville High School in Clinton, MD. The program was designed to improve educational excellence in math, grammar, literature, SAT preparation and to give young men the opportunity to attend and graduate from a college or university of their choice. Focused and wise beyond his years, Tim gained the respect of business leaders and politicians throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. He worked with unyielding dedication for personal, community, business and educational excellence. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Florida Avenue Baptist Church Washington, DC, Minority Business Owners of Maryland, Maryland Chamber of Commerce and Maryland’s Minority Suppliers Association. Timothy is survived by his wife, Tawana Nottingham Alston of Clinton, MD, brother Lacy Alston of Columbia, MD, sister-in-laws Dr. Sharon Alston, Dr. Robin Nottingham and Denitta Jackson, Brother-in-laws Steve and Derrick Nottingham, nephews Matthew Alston and Dominic Jackson, nieces Brittany and Sariah Nottingham, a very special niece and nephew he and his wife helped raise, Skye and Brandon Nottingham and a host of loving relatives and friends. A celebration of life service will be held Monday, October 8, 2012, at Ark of Safety Christian Church, 9402 Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD. Viewing at 9am and service at 11am. Interment Ft. Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD immediately following service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Empowering Minds Foundation, Inc., 10500 Fox Ridge Ct., Bowie, MD 20721. Strickland Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at stricklandfuneralservices.com/fh

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Mr. Timothy R. Alston

November 15, 1959 - September 30, 2012