Gerald Edward Alford, 75, was born on November 4, 1945 in Lucedale, Mississippi and was called to his Heavenly home on August 26, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. He served this grateful nation through enlisting with the United States ARMY National Guard, honorably serving for thirty-eight years. Gerald was a lifelong member of Living Hope Church, Saraland, Alabama. He was a faithful member always there when the doors open. Gerald was on the church board and served as a Deacon for many years. He always loved fellowship with his church family. Gerald would keep the church grounds maintained and was available to assist in any manor needed. He was a dedicated employee for thirty-three years with International Paper where he worked as a frontline Supervisor and Trainer on five and six paper machines. Gerald would spend his spare time tending to his cows and simply working the farm. He cherished the special moments spent with his girls, his family and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents: James Edward Alford, Reba McLeod Alford Fulford, step-parents: June Alford and Stephen Fulford.
Left to cherish Gerald's wonderful memories will be his beloved wife of fifty-five years, Phyllis Frye Alford; two sons: Michael Edward Alford of Nashville, Tennessee, Jeffery L. Alford and wife Nancy of Satsuma, Alabama; three loving granddaughters: Bailey of Mobile, Alabama, Karsyn, Zoe Jane both of Satsuma, Alabama; two special friends: Jon and Nicole Cohron of Semmes, Alabama; three brothers: James "Jimmy" Alford and wife Judy of Georgetown, Alabama, Paul Alford of Georgetown, Alabama, Daryl Alford and wife Cindy of Georgetown, Alabama; four sisters: Tammy Odom and husband Tommy of Appleton, Alabama, Kay Slay and husband Deron of Saraland, Alabama, Wanda Wilson of Brenham, Texas, Sharon Joyner of Brighton, Colorado; along with many extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.
Honoring pallbearers will be Donald Williams, ET Vickery, Jon Cohron, Jeremy Russell, Stephen Day and CJ Byrd. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Crump, Robert "Bobby" Frye and McDaniel Brewer.
Memorials may be made in honor of Gerald Edward Alford to the Building Fund of Living Hope Church, 626 Celeste Road, Saraland, Alabama 36571.
The family would like to extend sincerest gratitude towards their family, church family and friends for all of the prayers and condolences during this difficult time.
Celebration of Life services for Gerald Edward Alford will be held at 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Living Hope Church, 626 Celeste Road, Saraland, Alabama 36571, with Pastor Chris Barber officiating under the direction of Radney Funeral Home, Saraland, Alabama. Interment will immediately follow on the grounds of Forest Lawn Memorial Garden, 9700 Celeste Road, Saraland, Alabama 36571.
The family will be receiving guests for visitation on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 10:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM at Living Hope Church.
