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.
