The family of Lee Ashley Alford, the neighborhood of Edgewater, the community of Julington Creek, and residents throughout North East Florida will come together to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of one of our own on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, June 16, 1967, Lee Alford is survived by his well-loved wife and children: Kristen Roy Alford and Ashley, Nicholas and Joseph; his parents Joyce and Don Alford; brother Howard Alford, wife Gloria and children Matthew, Richard and Donna; and in-laws James and Susie Roy, brother in-law James and wife Vicki, nephews Garrett Roy, Tyler Allen, and niece Erica Garrison. For neighbors, who enjoyed the proudly displayed flag of Vanderbilt University hung prominently on the front porch, it is well known that Lee attended the university on an ROTC scholarship. While there, he earned a Civil and Environmental Engineering Bachelor of Science. Not surprisingly, this influenced his professional career of 24 years, which included service to the City of Jacksonville. Stepping up to the challenge and call of defending our country, Lee proudly served for five years as a Captain in the United States Air Force. His service is a compliment to his life-long devotion to volunteering. Serving many organizations, but honoring his engineer’s heart, Lee concentrated his energies where they would have a profound impact. He was an active member and volunteer of San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, Big Brothers of Panama City, where he was awarded volunteer of the year, and most recently the City Rescue Mission. It was there that he taught math to the residents. His efforts resulted in students successfully earning their GRE, a tremendous milestone to many. It is no surprise that he also coached over a dozen sports teams for his children and their teammates. Many will remember Lee as a dedicated and committed father and husband, running the errands that mattered the most, coaching the teams that hit closest to home, and being there for the family that he held so dear. There are many of his neighbors that can fondly recall him driving carpool, loading the boat for a family-day on the water, or his quick response to the needs of his wife and family. He was also a neighbor to call in time of need; always willing to help and lend a hand whenever someone required it. Lee loved the water. He loved swimming and was a regular at the lap pool. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting and fishing with his family. It is those things that remind his family and friends in the community that he prioritized being a husband and father first. Lee was a kind and gentle soul. He had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving to others. Visitation will be on Friday, May 19 from 6pm to 8pm in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. and a Memorial Mass at San Juan del Rio Catholic Church on 1718 FL-13, Jacksonville, Saturday, May 20 at 2pm.
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