Howard R. Alford

Howard Ralph Alford (Major, U.S. Army Ret.) of Jacksonville, Fl passed away November 30, 2018.  He was the son of Samuel Jackson Alford, Sr. and Ada Jacobs Alford and born in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, and joined the U.S. Army on April 1, 1954.

Following retirement from the Army he attended Golf Course Superintendents School in Lake City and worked for Tresca Industries, and married Rochelle Brown Dryden on October 5, 1978. He was a Baptist and a member of William B. Barnett Masonic Lodge, Morocco Temple Shrine. He was a Past Commander of the Flying Fezzes, Beaches Shrine Club, and Morocco Golf Association. Over a period of 10 years he made 135 trips to deliver patients to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa. He was very fond of children and these trips were a highlight for him. He was a member of numerous military retirement groups. Golf and fishing were favorite past times. He will be remembered as a patriot and fine soldier, his love of family and a true friend.

His military career included a combat tour in Korea, and three combat tours in Viet Nam. He was a highly decorated soldier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Samuel Jackson Alford, Jr, M.D.; granddaughter, Sarah Stone and son-in-law, John Stone.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rochelle Alford; sister, Margaret Adams; daughter, Dr. Sue Stone; son, John R. Alford; step-sons, Keith D. Dryden and William A. Dryden; grandchildren, Lindsey Hill, Dennis A. Dryden, PFC William Clay Dryden, Taylor Alford and Mariah Alford Serrano; 8 great-grandchildren and he is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel with Brother Neal Rhodes and Mr. Bailey Barefoot officiating.  The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service at 10:00am.

Inurnment will take place in Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Morocco Temple Patient Transportation Fund.