Charlie was born July 12, 1930 in Orange Mills, Florida to Henry Marvin and Dora Craft Alford.
He was preceded in death by Jessie Banks Alford, to whom he was married for 49 years, a son, Bryan Alford; brothers, Marvin, James, Bruce and George Alford and sister Margie Riley.
He is survived by brothers Gene Alford of Hollister and Jacob Alford of Satsuma, sisters Marion Strickland of Jacksonville, Martha Stevenson (Walter) of Jacksonville, his children, Charles E. (Skeet) and wife Dawn of Hollister, Kathryn A. (Kay) Clapp of Palatka; grandchildren, Chelsea (Sean) Matthews of Interlachen, Natalie Coulter (Marten) of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, Cody (Tommy) DeSaulniers of Ponte Vedra , Kimberly “Cricket” (Derek) Cribbs of St. Augustine, D.R. Clapp, Devon (Keith) Pierce, Beau Alford, Dawson Alford, all of Palatka, 9 Great Grandchildren with 3 more on the way.
Charlie graduated from the Class of 49 from Mellon High School where he played football and baseball. He was voted Best Looking in the Class of 49. He was an active member of FFA, for which he was a State Officer. He held titles for steer wrestling and calf roping with the Florida Rodeo Association. He was a Director for the Florida Forestry Association, was a founding member and director of Putnam State Bank, and served as a member of the Putnam County Greenbelt Advisory Board. He started Alford Timber, Inc. in 1964.
For Charlie, leisure and work were one in the same. A productive day made him happy and was a day well spent. Until just a couple of years ago, he could be found on a tractor mowing a field or working with cows.
He had an appreciation for the simplest joys in life and valued above all else, his family. He considered his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren his greatest blessing.
In keeping with Charlie’s wishes, no services are scheduled.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Charlie’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.
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