William Russell Alfrey

William “Bill” Russell Alfrey, of Greenwood, Indiana, passed away at home on December 1, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Indianapolis on October 9, 1939, at William & Coleman Hospital to Russell Harold “Rut” Alfrey and Dorothy Mae “Dot” (Webb) Alfrey.

Bill proudly served his country, joining the United States Air Force in 1957. He was honorably discharged as an Airman Second Class from the Indiana Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserve on June 18, 1963. He was a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

On May 27, 1961, Bill married the love of his life, Jerry Lou (Inmon) Alfrey, at Friendswood Baptist Church. They shared 64 years of marriage.

Bill attended grade school in Indianapolis, later attending Arsenal Technical High School. After his family moved, he graduated from Franklin Township High School in 1957.

He began working early in life, starting as a newspaper courier for The Indianapolis Star at age nine. His love for music led him to teach steel guitar at Harlan Brothers Music Store and to continue giving guitar lessons throughout and after high school.

In 1959, Bill began his long career with Western Electric on Shadeland Avenue. He entered the company’s Apprenticeship Program and earned his Tool Maker designation on June 14, 1968. Bill remained with the company through its transitions to AT&T, Lucent Technologies, and eventually Avaya. When the Indianapolis plant closed in 1985, he moved with his family to Shreveport, Louisiana, to continue his career. He retired from Avaya in 2001 with 42 years of dedicated service.

Music was always a central part of Bill’s life. In the 1980s, he was the lead singer and guitarist for Colorwheel, a band that performed throughout the Indianapolis area at colleges, weddings, and various community and political events.

After retirement, Bill and Jerry returned to Indiana and built their home in Greenwood in March 2001. Being close to his children and grandchildren brought Bill great joy.

Bill’s Christian faith guided his life. A devoted follower of Jesus, he shared his love of music through a gospel ministry with his friend Bob Pruitt, performing in local nursing homes. He also sang tenor in the choir at Calvary Baptist Church and occasionally offered special music during services.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Harold and Dorothy Mae Alfrey.

He is survived by his wife, Jerry Lou Alfrey; his children, Andrea (Alfrey) Smith and Scott, Aaron Alfrey, and Alan Alfrey and Karen; his brother James “Jim” Alfrey and Carolyn Alfrey; and his grandchildren Jacob Alfrey, Lindsey Alfrey and Patrick Barry, Joshua Alfrey, Abigail Alfrey, and Rachel (Alfrey) Brandow and Adam. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Sebastian Barry.

Bill deeply loved his family. He cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson and was immensely proud of each of them.

Arrangements:

Visitation will be held on December 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 4901 E. Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, with funeral services immediately following. Entombment will take place at Washington Park East Cemetery on East Washington Street.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Franciscan Hospice for their compassionate care. Special thanks to Patty Lake, RN; Julie at the Heart Center; the White River Township Fire Department; and the many hospice nurses and caregivers—including Terri, Nicole, Angie, Miranda, Jean, Kat, and Kelly—along with the equipment delivery team for their kindness and support.

We are grateful to our church deacon, Don Lauer, for his visits and continued care.

A special thank-you goes to Aaron, Alan, and Karen Alfrey for their constant support, always coming when called. Thanks also to Jacob Alfrey, Joshua Alfrey, and Fred Leitenberger for coming when called to provide assistance. The family also appreciates the help and encouragement from Sandy Webb, Connie Alford, Carol Spence, Debbie Hussey, Carolyn Alfrey, Melia Leichty, Jennie Inmon, and all other family and friends who visited us and prayed for our family.