Holliday's Holliday

My husband, John Alford, died at 4:30 Sunday afternoon in our home.  He has been ill for a long time and he was tired and ready to go. 

 

John's daughter Elizabeth and her husband Michael and I were able to say goodbye to him as we watched him slip away.  As sad as it was, it was such a blessing to do this together at home and at a time when he was ready.

 

I will miss my husband for ever. 

 

At the time of his death, John had 32 years of sobriety and had helped many other people understand the great value of living one day at a time.  I met him in 1980 and am happy to report that I am now celebrating 29 years of sobriety as well. 

 

Minutes after John's last breath, his grandson James came into the house crying because one of our yard lizards had been hit by a car.  He and his dad had given the lizard a hasty burial and funeral.  He came to my lap and cried for his grandpa and for the lizard.  I told him that the lizard had died at a very special time.  James and I believe that the lizard escorted John to heaven.  If there are Yorkies in heaven, Henry and Henrietta probably couldn't wait to see him.

 

Love, Frances

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John Rogers Alford, Jr. was born in Henderson, Texas, August 1, 1928.  He graduated from SMU and served in the US Army.  He and his first wife Barbara (Bobbie) Shaw Alford were the parents of John R. Alford lll and Elizabeth Shaw Alford.  John, Bobbie and Elizabeth lost John lll when he was age 14 and died in an accident.

 

John is also proceeded in death by his sister, Ella Alford, his parents Susan Landon Alford and John R. Alford, Sr. 

 

John's survivors include his wife, Frances Holliday Alford, daughter Elizabeth Alford, Son in Law, Michael Young, Grand children, James and Clara Young, Brother Landon Alford, Sister in Law Phyllis Alford, nephews Eugene Alford, MD, Ben Alford, David Alford and Allen McDonald.  Nieces, Margaret McDonald Newton and Susan McDonald.  He had two god children, Sarah Seawright and Elliott Francis Holliday Weeks.

 

John lived in Austin, Texas and engaged in business from the early 60's until the present.  He is best knownfor his philanthropy.  John took the example given to him by his parents and became a large supporter of a variety of organizations.  He was most proud of his support of SMU, The Boy Scouts of America and various Alcoholism Recovery organizations.   In addition to these, along with Frances, he supported National Peace Corps Association, The Alliance of American Quilters, The Austin Symphony, The Austin Museum of Fine Arts, St. Edwards University, Huston Tillotson University, Hospice Austin, Easter Seals, Alzheimer's Research and a host of other organizations.  John made it possible for a number of young people to complete college educations.  His generosity was as enormous as his humility.  

 

 

Funeral Arrangements will be handled by Weed-Corley in Austin.  John and Frances have been members of the Congregational Church of Austin.  A funeral will be held at the church followed by internment in Henderson, Texas. 

 

 

pictures and arrangements will be posted.