James Allen Alford's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of James Allen Alford announces his passing on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at the age of 82. He was born October 20, 1936 in Rustin, LA, the son of DeWitt G. Alford and Lois Andrews Alford.
James graduated from Longview High School, Class of 1955. After High School, he married Shirley Warnix and they settled in Longview. They celebrated 63 years of marriage in November 2018. He worked at Eastman for 18 years, before his entrepreneurship led him to open his own business, Alford Air-Conditioning, which served the community for over 20 years. He then worked as the East Texas Territorial Manager for York another 18 years before retirement. In retirement, James loved to fish, was an avid golfer and enjoyed his time on the course with his friends. He was a lifetime member of First Christian Church, where in the past he served as a Deacon.
James never met a stranger and had many lifelong friendships over the years. His love of people and loyalty to those he loved made him a special friend to all he knew. He loved sharing his life with all his family because they were truly his pride and joy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, DeWitt G. and Lois Alford, his brother, Linus Alford, and sister, Glenda Caver. He is survived by his wife Shirley Alford, sons Mark Alford & Ronny Alford, both of Longview, daughter Stacey Alford Copeland & husband David of Cedar Hill, TX and daughter Tammy Alford of Longview. In addition, he had 3 grandchildren, Jason Alford & wife Kellie of Mansfield, TX, Colby Townsend of Dallas, TX and Cheyann Alford of Longview with 2 great grand-children, Audrey & Callen Alford of Mansfield, TX, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation Monday, July 1, 2019 from 5pm-7pm at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Funeral services will take place the next day Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at the funeral home starting at 2pm with Rev. Dr. Richard Emerson officiating. Interment will follow services at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview. An online memorial book may be signed at www.raderfh.com
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