House Concurrent Resolution 34

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JAMES "DAVID" ALFORD, SR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on January 24, 2021, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. James "David" Alford Sr., to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, born on July 19, 1943, to Leslie Paul Alford and Jeanette Lowrey Pumphrey, in Thorn, Mississippi, Mr. Alford, affectionately known as "David," was a member of Thorn Church of God, and served his country as a National Guardsman; and

WHEREAS, as a young man, Mr. Alford and his oldest brother, Curtis Paul "Pete", drove trucks, hauling most anything that could be loaded onto a flatbed trailer, and as they grew up in an era where "real work" was a requirement, they both had entrepreneurial aspirations, and as they were both inventive and resourceful, they knew how to get a job done, and these characteristics were evident over the years as they worked side-by-side in the lime and fertilizer business, as well as with their youngest brother, Sherman, in the furniture and lumber business; and

WHEREAS, as Mr. Alford was living and working in his community daily, he noticed that the closest fire brigade was in the town of Houston, Mississippi, and as the story goes, if fire broke out in the Thorn community, those working in the small businesses and fields within the community would grab a bucket, load up in the backs of pickups, and head to help fight the fire until the trucks arrived from town, and as he saw a great need in his community, he embarked on his most passionate quest during the mid-1980s, and began to encourage his fellow countrymen to join him, Brother Grady Williams, Mr. Harley Langley and Mr. Hershel Duffel in the establishment of volunteer fire departments throughout Chickasaw County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, a genuine and distinguished man, Mr. Alford's extraordinary devotion to his family and to his community will always be remembered, and precious memories of time spent with him will hopefully continue to provide warmth, peace and comfort to his loved ones; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, such as his parents, Leslie Alford and Jeanette Pumphrey; brothers, Curtis Paul "Pete" Alford and Leslie "Sherman" Alford; and his youngest son, Chance Martin Alford; the legacy of

Mr. Alford's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his loved ones, including his faithful companion, Melinda Hardin; eight fur babies; the mother of his oldest children, Linda Alford; son, James Alford Jr.; daughter, Jeanie McNeel; grandchildren, Cooper, KarLee and John Glenn McNeel; great-granddaughter, Lucy Kate McNeel; brothers, Raymond Pumphrey and Jim Wilkerson; sisters, Marie Crow, Cecilia Pearson and Cindy Walls; step-mother, Earlene Alford; and a host of other relatives and dear friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Alford will forever be loved, cherished and missed by all who knew him, and since it is written in 2 Corinthians 5:8, that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," his family and friends can find peace and comfort during this difficult time; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the lives of outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Mr. Alford, who certainly inspired everyone he met and whose life's light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along his earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mr. James "David" Alford Sr., and express sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. James "David" Alford Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.