More detail on this person: Retired Lt. Col.
Andrew N. Alford, age 74, of Niceville [Okaloosa
Co.], Fla., after an extended illness passed away
March 14, 2005, at his home. His loving family was
by his side.
He was born on July 25, 1930, in Bogalusa, La.
During his lifetime he had numerous athletic and
military achievements. Growing up in Bogalusa he
was a graduate of Bogalusa High School. He
excelled in football, baseball and track. He was a
member of the undefeated, 12-0, State Champion
Bogalusa Lumberjack Foot ball Team.
After high school he received a full football
scholarship to attend Louisiana State University.
While at LSU he was a standout on the football
team, as well as the boxing team. He was named
an outstanding player in the 1953 Blue-Gray
Classic All-Star Game, which was coached by Paul
"Bear" Bryant. After receiving his degree from
LSU, he entertained offers to either play football
or box professionally. He chose a career in the
U.S. Army.
While his accomplishments are too numerous to
list, they include but are not limited to the
following: Infantry, Ranger, Airborne, Aviator,
Vietnam War 1967-1968, TET Offensive, Company
Commander 242nd Assault Helicopter Company,
Cu Chi, Vietnam, two Purple Hearts, two
Distinguished Flying Crosses with 1st oak leaf
cluster; 20 Air Medals, and the Bronze Star Medal.
He retired from the U.S. Army in 1974. He then
joined the Niceville football coaching staff as
offensive line and weight training coach. During
this time he obtained his master's degree in
counseling and guidance from Troy State
University. In 1975, he transferred to Ruckel
Junior High School as guidance counselor, teacher
and head football coach. After several years at
Ruckel Junior High School he retired to enjoy time
with is family, playing tennis and fishing.
Mr. Alford was a 32nd degree Mason and Baptist by
faith.
He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and
Ina Alford of Bogalusa; and one son, Keith Braden
(Brad) Alford of Niceville.
Mr. Alford is survived by his wife, Venita B.
Alford; sons, Andrew Alford, Kevin Alford and
Michael Alford, all of Niceville; grandsons, Keith
Alford of Ashford, Nathan Alford of Sumter, S.C.,
Kevin Alford, Matthew Alford and Bobby Porter, all
of Niceville; and great-grandchildren, Hudson
Shelly, Haisten Shelly, both of Ashford, and Katie
Marie of Sumter.
The family will receive friends at 2 p.m.
Thursday, March 17, at McLaughlin Twin Cities
Funeral Home in Niceville. Funeral services will
follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024
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