WILLARD LEE ALFORD, JR.

AAFA #0309

1934 IL – 2012 AR

 

 

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Chicago, Cook Co., IL—Sunday, 21 October 2012

 

            Willard Lee Alford, Jr., 78, passed away Oct.13, 2012.

            He was born Sept. 9, 1934 in Chicago to the late Willard Lee Alford, Sr. and Emma Ruth Roberts Alford. He married Gloria Serena Hoey Alford 49 years ago on May 4, 1963. They resided in Chicago where he worked in various careers until his retirement in 1999 from Northern States Power as an Energy Consultant, then moved to their summer home in Athelstane, WI and Hot Springs Village, AR for the winters—which is now their permanent home.

            Willard was a member of Woodlands Presbyterian Church and a volunteer with Teen Challenge. Active in scouting, Willard achieved his Eagle Scout Badge at age 15. He received his BA Degree in Agriculture from the Univ. of Illinois, Urbana where he was a member of the social fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. Willard served in US Air Force as Captain flying NATO Missions.

            Willard and Gloria have one daughter, Michelle Lorraine Alford, residing in Woodridge, IL and working for DeVry University.

            He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Marilyn Ruth Alford Benjamin; and brother-in-law, Ralph J. Benjamin Jr. of Yorkville, IL.

            Survivors include his wife Gloria of Hot Springs Village; daughter, Michelle Alford; sisters, Martina DeVoto Craft (Edward), Bowling Green, KY and Catherine DeVoto Bright, Murray, KY; nephews, Andrew (Mai) Bright, Japan, Jason Bright (Kandace) Lexington, KY, Thomas Benjamin (Diane), Naperville, IL and James Benjamin (Darla), Northfield, MN.

            Memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Oct. 27, 2012 at First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove, 1032 Maple Ave. at Main St., Downers Grove IL. Memorial donations may be made to Woodlands Presbyterian Church Mission Fund, 11 Ecuestre Dr., Hot Springs Village, AR 71909 or Arkansas Hospice, 628 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901. His body was donated to Medical Science. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.

 

AAFA NOTES: SSDI records confirm the birth and death dates of Willard L. Alford (SS# issued in IL), last residence not listed.

            We included the obituary of his father, Willard Lee Alford Sr., in Kentucky Obituaries; and his sister Marilyn Ruth Alford Benjamin in Illinois Obituaries.

            For more information about this family, see AAFA’s published genealogy, Known Descendants of John William Alford, b. 1811 England – died 1890 KY.

            His lineage: Willard Lee 1934 IL¹, Willard Lee 1904 IN², Joseph 1873 KY³, Thomas Atchinson 1844 IN⁴, John William 1811 England⁵, John about 1783 England⁶, John 1759 England⁷, Edward 1725 England⁸, Robert bef 1699 England⁹.