Luther Herbert Alford

L. H. Alford, born September 28, 1924, a member of the Dellwood community, died at home on May 2 after an extended illness. His faith and hope in God sustained him always. Luther spent a lifetime loving a large circle of family and friends. The most fortunate were his wife of nearly 60 years, Iola, and children: Shirley Alford Hamilton and husband Samuel of Seattle, WA; Henry Elton Alford and wife Bernice of Grand Ridge, FL; Dale Alford Lockamy and husband George of Spartanburg, SC; and Connie Alford Steele and husband Steve of Tallahassee, FL. His grandchildren are Christopher (Chris) Hamilton and wife Carrie of Cumming, GA; Chad Hamilton and wife Leigh of Bethesda, MD; Elton Alford and wife Juanita of Grand Ridge, FL; Georgiana Lockamy Hand and husband Roger of Sneads, FL; Kelly Lockamy Edwards and husband Buddy of Marianna, FL; Adam Lockamy of Macon, GA; Anna Lockamy of Charleston, SC; Kara Steele Vathis and husband Michael of Crawfordville, FL; and David Steele of Tallahassee, FL. Great grandchildren are Lydia Ann Hamilton and Henry Hamilton of Bethesda, MD; Clara Ann Hamilton of Cumming, GA; Sid and Amy Hand of Sneads, FL; and Kyle and Brandon Edwards of Marianna, FL. In addition to Covenant Hospice there are three exceptional people in his life, who gave him special care, Kirk Hagin , Nadine Hagin, and Joyce Dickerson. Their love and compassion brightened his days and nights. Giving to others and love for his Savior and church were the highlights of his life. Luther was a lifelong and founding member of Cypress Grove Assembly of God Church where he served 35 years as Secretary-Treasurer and played guitar for the choir. Luther began his adult life working at the Panama City Shipyard during World War II and then at Appalachee Correctional Institution for more than 10 years as a carpenter instructor. He then turned his attention to full time farming which was his passion. Luther was preceded in death by his parents, Case and Verlie Alford and four brothers and sisters. One sister, Geneva Myers of Panama City survives him. Funeral services will be 2 pm Friday, May 6, 2011 at Cypress Grove Assembly of God Church with the Revs. Wayne Fussell, Dewey Myers and Jack Howell officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Cypress Grove Assembly of God Church, 3254 Cypress Grove Road, Grand Ridge. "