Robert Louis Alford, Jr.

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Robert “Bob” Louis Alford, Jr., whom God called home on March 16, 2024. To his family he was a stalwart of strength, and a source of wisdom, laughter, and joy; he leaves behind a footprint of warmth and love that will not be forgotten.

Born on May 22, 1943 in San Antonio, TX, Bobby was the second of four children to Robert and Dorothy O’Banion Alford. He carried their legacy with honor and grace and embraced a passion for genealogy and his deep family roots throughout his life. Bob spent his early life in Uvalde, TX. The family moved to San Antonio where he graduated from MacArthur High School. He received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Trinity University and later attended graduate school at Texas A&M University and the University of Missouri, where he earned a Master’s degree in Geology. A veteran of the United States Army, he served in the Vietnam War as part of the Army Medical Corps. After completing his military service, he eventually settled in Houston, TX where he worked as a geologist in the oil and gas industry for over 40 years. Though he spent much of his adult life in Houston, TX, upon retiring, Bob relocated back to the Texas Hill Country in Fredericksburg with Ruth Ann.

Bob lived his life with an eagerness to embrace the moment. He enjoyed: spending time with family; landscaping and gardening; cooking; fishing and sailing; exploring cigars, scotches, and wines; listening to classical music; supporting his beloved Texas Aggies and Houston Astros; and engaging in lively discussions on a wide range of topics. He was known for his quick wit, creative mind, love of reading, and a deep passion for the Texas landscape and animals. His smile and warm demeanor were infectious and will be missed by all who knew him.

As a man of faith, Bob found comfort in the promise of eternal life through his Christian beliefs. As John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This belief sustained Bob throughout his life and provided him with the assurance of reunion with his loved ones in the presence of their Heavenly Father.

He never stopped learning, exploring, and embracing his passion for literature and verse, penning the following words several years back:

A Letter to Loved OnesWe have so little time in our lives, not even knowinghow much we have - or have left.Life being the precious blessing that it is,we have a moral obligation to ourselves to make the most of it -through love, communionand companionship.Though man was not meant to be crowded together,shoved and jostled,neither was man meant to be physically alone. . .— R. Louis Ford

A loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, and proud brother, uncle, and friend, Bob leaves behind a legacy of love. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Shelton Alford; his children, Elizabeth Alford Farrell (and her husband, Ty), Beverly Alford, Christine Alford O’Beirne (and her husband, Colin) his adored grandchildren (Aidan, Grant, and Paige); stepson, Rory Hines (and his children, Alaynna and Liam); his brother Greg (and his wife, Virginia) and sister Sharon (and her husband, Doug); his former wife and mother of his children, Mary Alford; sister-in-law, Ruth Davies; and numerous nieces and nephews who will continue to walk in the light of his wisdom.

A funeral with Military Honors will be observed at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, in San Antonio (1520 Harry Wurzbach Road) on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 2:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to an organization of your choice or to the Texas A&M Forest Service Tree Recovery Fund. http://treecovery.tamu.edu/donate.html