Alford Earl Sweat

Raised abroad by Billie and his adopted father Thomas Woodall, he went on to board and graduate from Allen Academy in Bryan, TX a military prep school with historic connections to Texas A&M University. During the early years of his career, he worked in construction and machinery. A lifelong interest in aircraft and space led him to a mid career decision to pursue qualifications as an FAA licensed aviation mechanic.

He committed the rest of his career to Continental Airlines and was proud to reach his 25 year service anniversary before retirement in 2014. Al was married for over thirty years to Sharon Cates. They worked together in their community through the Freemasons and were very active in the Shriners. Al was president of The Tomball Shrine Club, Quartermaster of The Oasis Club and Captain of the Patrol Club at the Arabia Shrine Center in Houston. While Captain of the Patrol Club, Al contributed his time to a giving campaign that distributed Christmas presents to the kindergarten classes at Ketelsen Elementary. He worked on many projects for the Shriners Hospital for Children at Galveston and the Old Orthopaedic Hospital in Houston. One of the biggest events that Al and Sharon worked on was the Arabia Shrine Circus, and they committed many years to making sure children from all walks of life could have quality family friendly fun- no matter what their home or health circumstances.

Over the years Al and Sharon travelled to England, Italy, and Australia numerous times. They also enjoyed concert trips to see country music artists and taking their chances at a casino. In his younger years, Al played soccer and later coached and officiated youth games in North Houston. He remained a sports fan throughout his life. In the summer he followed the Astros baseball team and through the rest of the year kept up with the Oilers and Texans.

Al is survived by his wife Sharon, children Gregory and Samantha, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Alford will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039, followed by a graveside service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM held at Brookside Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alford's memory may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, https://www.shrinerschildrens.org.