He was born into the blended Hawkins/Williamson family on December 13, 1957. He was loved and nurtured by his parents Annie Elizabeth (Liz) Shaffer and Willie Williamson. Alfred eventually had a total of 9 siblings: Melvin, Calvin, Mitchell, Mae Lois, Charles, Moses, Linda, Diane, and Carnell. Willie passed away in 1975 and Annie in 2010.
Alfred attended public schools for his Primary and Secondary Education. He graduated from Gentry High School in 1975 and matriculated to Mississippi Valley State University. While at MVSU, he completed two years of General Studies until he felt called to serve his country in the US Air Force. Alfred went on to earn Associate's Degrees in History and Business Management from the Community College of the Air Force. He completed Airman Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base followed by Signals Intelligence Analyst Specialty Training at Goodfellow Air Force Base. He subsequently met his future wife Katherine while stationed at Chicksands Air Base in the UK. They were married and the union was blessed with a son, Taylor Christian in 1986.
Alfred's other assignments included Kadena Air Base, Misawa Air Base, Kelly Air Force Base, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the National Security Agency. His awards included the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Device, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Devices, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 5 Devices, the Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, and the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon. Alfred was medically retired in 1997 after being diagnosed with Sarcodosis.
His civilian employment included Borders Music and Books and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. In these roles, he was consistently recognized for his organizational skills, sharp intellect, and biting wit.
Katherine preceded Alfred in death due to Lung Cancer in 2016. Alfred is survived by one son Taylor, two brothers, three sisters, 21 nieces and nephews, multiple great-nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and an assortment of friends. He will be sorely missed in the days ahead.
The family expresses its thanks for your kindnesses and caring in our time of grief.
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