It’s with heavy hearts we announce the death of the beloved patriarch of our family. Grady left this earth on August 11, 2020.
Grady was born in Pickton, Texas, at his family home on February 8, 1932 to George Dowl and Mary Christa Belle (Harrelson) Alford.
Grady was a very intelligent person which was evident in his childhood. During his time in elementary school, he skipped a grade to help advance his education. Grady graduated from McKinney high school in 1949.
After graduating high school, he and his brother Al, went to Florida for baseball camp with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although he did not join the team, baseball remained an important part of his life. Grady later joined the United States Air Force serving our country for over 21 years and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. He was a key member of planning and building PMEL at McConnell AFB which is still in operation today. After retiring from the Air Force, he continued his career at Beechcraft where he retired in 1997.
He married his wife, Alta, in April 1953. They had one daughter and one granddaughter. He was a wonderful provider for his family and made sure his girls were always taken care of; he was their safety net and greatest supporter in all of their endeavors.
Grady enjoyed watching sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, sudoku puzzles, reading, and NCIS. But above all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Grady is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brother Al Alford and sister Peggy (Alford) Schuster. Grady is survived by his beloved daughter Carrie Alford Loofs, light of his life granddaughter Shannon (Chris) Robins, brother Bobby Alford, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Per Grady’s request, a private graveside service will be held on August 15, 2020, with military honors.
A come and go visitation will be available from 5pm-7pm, Friday, August 14, 2020, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.
