Bob Alford

Published 2:43 pm Thursday, December 7, 2023

On Dec. 4, Bob Alford left this world peacefully at the age of 93 after having lived a full life. Bob came into this world a pioneer on March 8, 1930. At the age of 15 he joined the Merchant Marines and traveled the world, learning quickly the art of winning cartons of cigarettes by playing cards so that he could sell them abroad for a little extra cash. At the age of 16, he bought his first piece of land and continued the passion of buying and selling land his entire life.

After the Merchant Marines, Bob worked in the railroad for 18 years. In the truly entrepreneurial spirit, Bob went on to take on building and running a motel and later two different campgrounds. Even when he decided to “retire” and become a farmer, he didn’t quickly let go of his love of business as he opened a Buck Stove business and a furniture store business for a period of time. He finally settled into his true love of being with the land and became a farmer full time. Well, that is while buying and selling land on the side.

Also a huge part of Bob’s life for almost 40 years was his brotherhood in the Freemasons. He was active in the roles of Lodge Master and teacher. 

Bob was preceded in death by his siblings: Elsie Charleston, Edgar Wiggins, Lloyd Wiggins, Max Wiggins, Lyle Wiggins and A.D. Wiggins. 

He is survived by the love of his life, Clara Jean, to whom he was married 66 years; his son, Hoyt Alford (Mary); his daughter, Theresa Alford; and granddaughter, Kaitlin Alford (Nick Whites).

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. with services immediately following at 2 p.m. at Puckett Funeral Home. 

Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com.