Donald Alford Sr.

SFC (Ret) Donald Alford, Sr., son of James Alford, Sr. and Elizabeth (Allen) Alford, was born June 17, 1955 in Loris, South Carolina. Donald grew up in Tabor City, North Carolina and graduated from Tabor City High School. On April 6, 1978, Donald was united in marriage to Insuk Hong in Hinesville, Georgia. They shared over 34 years of marriage together and three children: Sherry, Donald Jr., and Gloria. Donald entered the United States Army in Raleigh, North Carolina and served his country faithfully until his retirement at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. For his faithful service, Donald earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal – 2nd Award, Army Good Conduct Medal – 7th Award, Noncommissioned Officer Professional development Ribbon – 3rd Award, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon – 3rd Award, Air Assault Badge, Marksman Qualification Badge Rifle M16, Army of Occupation Medal (Berlin) and Meritorious Service Medal. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. After retiring from the military, Donald began working for Marathon Electric. He then became employed on Fort Leonard Wood – first as a security guard and then as a Range Control Technician. In his spare time, Donald enjoyed spending time with his family, which was very important to him. He loved people and was always there to give a helping hand. He was an encourager to others and no matter the situation, he was always smiling. Donald also enjoyed fishing and was an avid sports fan. At an early age, Donald made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and after moving to the Fort Leonard Wood area became a member of the Victory Fellowship Church of God. He was very active in the church where he served as deacon and sang in the church choir. Donald went home to be with his Lord at 5:20 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2012 in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Donald leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Insuk Alford of the home; three children: Sherry Alford Kirk (Brian) of Wildwood, MO, Donald Alford Jr. (Leslie Harris) of Osage Beach, MO and Gloria Elizabeth Alford (Darryl Diggs, Jr.) of Chesterfield, MO; his mother: Elizabeth Allen Alford of Tabor City, NC; six siblings: Cassie Burroughs of Myrtle Beach, SC, Geneva Benson (Harold) of Frankfort, KY, James Alford, Jr. (Anne Quarterly-Alford) of Fayetteville, NC, Willie Alford (Doris) of Aiken, SC, Geraldine Gore (Earl) of Tabor City, NC and Ronald Alford (Sarah) of Cerro Gordo, NC; two grandchildren: Alyssa Marie and Brenden Kirk; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Donald was preceded in death by his father: James Alford, Sr.; one brother: Freddie Alford; and one brother-in-law: Sam Burroughs. Homegoing services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2012 in the Victory Fellowship Church of God of Waynesville with Pastor Frank Brunais and Rev. Ronald Alford officiating. Pianist James McCallister accompanied Soloist Nakita Fox as she sang. Serving as escorts were SFC Whitfield, SSG Rodriguez, SSG Olk, SSG Daly, SFC Jarrell, SSG Learmonth and SFC Smith. Serving as honorary escorts were Greg Mitchell, James Carter, Alan Schlie, Charles Pointer, Joe Gross, Gilbert Paz, Sonny Warren, Curtis Felton and Carl Kirk. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Honors were provided by SFC Gore, SSG Cross, SSG Korki, SSG Morrison, SSG Englage, SGT Scaggs, SSG Howard and SSG Horsey, all of the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Donald Alford Sr.

June 17, 1955 - June 9, 2012