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Richard Allen Alford

 

 

RICHARD ALLEN ALFORD, SR.

AAFA #0154

1929 LA – 1998 FL

 

 

THE LEDGER

Lakeland, Polk Co., FL—Sunday, 25 October 1998

 

LAKELAND—Mr. Richard Allen Alford lived in the same north Lakeland home for 45 years where he raised his children by example.

            Mr. Alford taught them to be honest and helpful people and he came to be relied on by neighbors to lend a hand whenever it was needed.

            He died Friday (Oct. 23, 1998) while sleeping in that same home surrounded by memories. He was 69.

            “He believed in always being honest,” said his wife of 48 years, Arlene Alford. “He was a wonderful husband and a super father. He taught our children to live an honest life and he was a good neighbor to everybody.”

            Born in Monroe, La., on Aug. 27, 1929, he moved to Lakeland as an infant. He attended local schools and graduated from Kathleen High School in 1947.

            After graduating he enlisted in the Navy, where he served aboard the USS Stockham. He served for five years, including two in Yokosuka, Japan, as a storekeeper first class.

            After returning home he worked briefly for Florida-Georgia Tractor Co. before joining H.F. Mason as a stenographer. He remained there for 25 years, working his way up to office manager and then vice-president.

            Mr. Alford started a second career as manager of sales at Conibear RV Center in 1979. He worked there for 13 years before retiring to enjoy having the time to do whatever he wanted.

            His wife said that he really enjoyed taking it easy after retirement, with his only commitment being weekly dinners with his family, including the grandchildren who he enjoyed spending time with.

            “He’d get out there and play with those kids when he was feeling good,” she said. “He enjoyed throwing a ball around and was always fixing up little bikes and things for them to have at the house.”

            Mr. Alford attended Bethel Baptist Church.

            In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Rick Alford, Lakeland; daughters, Linda C. Dedman, Lakeland, Shari A. Bruno, Auburndale; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

            [Added by Arlene Alford: He was preceded in death by his father, William Hinton Alford Sr., and his mother, Ida Mae Alford. He is also survived by his brother, William Hinton Alford Jr.]

            Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Lanier Funeral Home, 717 Griffin Road, Lakeland. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Bethel Baptist Church.

 

AAFA NOTES: SSDI records confirm the birth and death dates of Richard A. Alford (SS# issued in FL), last residence Lakeland, Polk Co., FL.

            We included the obituaries of his parents, William Hinton “Shorty” Alford Sr. and Ida Mae Lewis Alford, in Florida Obituaries.

            Genealogy is the hobby of Dick’s wife, Arlene, so it was through her that we got to know this family. Gil and Arlene corresponded long and often about Dick’s Alford line, but Arlene said that what Dick liked to do after his retirement was to go fishing!

            His lineage: Richard Allen 1929 LA1, William Hinton 1906 GA2, William Peter 1881 GA3, Green Colquitt 1853 GA4, William 1794 NC5, Kinchen 1768 NC6, Lodwick 1710 VA7, James 1687 VA8, John 1645 VA9.