John Rogers Alford

John Rogers Alford, Jr. died at home Sunday, April 13. He is preceded in death by his son, John Rogers Alford III; his sister, Ella Langdon Alford and his parents, Susan Landon Alford and John Rogers Alford, Sr. Mr. Alford was born in Dallas, Texas, August 1, 1928. He spent his entire childhood in Henderson, Texas, graduating from Henderson High School. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in business, where he was a member of ATO fraternity. He served in the US Army during the Korean War era. John's survivors include his wife Frances Holliday Alford; daughter Elizabeth Alford Young and son-in-law James Michael Young; his grandchildren James Alford Young and Clara Elliott Young; his brother Landon Alford and sister-in-law Phyllis Potthast Alford; his nephews Eugene Landon Alford, MD, Benson Warren Alford, David Alford and Allen McDonald and nieces Margaret McDonald Newton and Susan Lee McDonald James. He had two god children, Sarah Seawright and Elliott Francis Holliday Weeks. He was previously married to Barbara Shaw Alford and Margie Stewart Alford. Mr. Alford lived in Austin, Texas and engaged in business from the late 50's until the present. He was a partner in Alford Investments and Alford Land Company both of Henderson, and president of Alford Outdoor Advertising here in Austin. Mr. Alford supported a variety of philanthropic causes. He was on the board of the John R. and Susan Landon Alford Foundation in Henderson. He was most proud of his support of Southern Methodist University and their Life Sciences Learning Lab, the Boy Scouts of America and various alcoholism recovery organizations. In addition he and Frances supported the National Peace Corps Association, The Austin Symphony, The Austin Museum of Art and the Blanton Museum, St. Edwards University, Huston-Tillotson University, Hospice Austin, Easter Seals, Alzheimer's Research and a host of other organizations. John made it possible for a number of young people to complete their college education. He was an enthusiastic sailor, fisherman and naturalist throughout his life. He was an early member of the Austin Yacht Club, instrumental in building the docks and club house there and racing for many years. In 1975 he sailed from Houston to the Bahamas along the Intercoastal Canal and Gulf of Mexico over the course of several months. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the Congregational Church, 408 W. 23rd St, in Austin. Committal services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17th at Lakewood Memorial Cemetery in Henderson, Texas.