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William Alford Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 15, 2013.

William (Bill) Malcolm Alford, 65, of Nacogdoches died Tuesday, November 12, 2013, after a three-year battle with lung cancer. Bill was born to Addie Lois and Willie Alford on July 31, 1948, in Houston, Texas. His professional career in radio and television broadcast news started with KIKK in Houston and included service as news director and anchor for KLSB TV in Nacogdoches and news anchor and producer for KTRE TV in Lufkin in addition to NBC affiliate, KXAN Channel 36 in Austin news anchor, news manager for KTBC TV in Austin, news director for KVET Radio in Austin, science and medical reporter for KNUZ in Houston, Texas, science reporter and assignment editor for KHOU TV in Houston, and KIVY Radio Station news director, and editor of the Houston County Courier. His contributions to his profession included Chairman of The Texas Associated Press three times, Vice Chairman of The Texas Associated Press (AP), Chairman of the Freedom of Information Foundation (AP), Chairman of the UPI Broadcasters of Texas, Vice Chairman of UPI Broadcasters of Texas, and a member of Sigma Delta Chi Professional Broadcasters. Alford's honors and awards included Best Documentary from The Associated Press twice, Best Investigative Report from The Associated Press twice, Best Newscast from The Associated Press three times, Best Newscast, from the United Press International twice, Best Documentary from The Texas Association of Broadcasters, Best Editorial from The Texas Association of Broadcasters, Best News Anchor from The Associated Press twice, Best Series from the United Press International, Texas School Bell Award from The Texas Education Agency, Best Spot Coverage from The Texas Associated Press and APME Citation from The Associated Press Managing Editor. Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Betty Thompson Alford of Nacogdoches; one daughter and son-in-law, Windy Alford Bierbaum and Gerald Bierbaum of Las Vegas, Nevada; a step-son, Brent Austin Harrison, and fiancée, Greta Huberty of Marina del Rey, California; six grandchildren, Worth, Atticus, Baxter, Holden, Jennifer and J.P. Bierbaum of Las Vegas, Nevada; two sisters, Janene Lewellen and Denise Waymer of New Braunfels, Texas; brothers-in-law, Logan Lewellen and John Waymer; four nieces, Emily Ann Lewellen, Carmen Lewellen, and Cristy Rember of New Braunfels, Texas, and Lindsey Pickrel of Katy, Texas; two nephews, Will Lewellen and Wes Waymer of New Braunfels, Texas, and their families, Casey Rember and Mallory Rember, of New Braunfels; Joey Pickrel of Katy, Texas; and Virginia Waymer, Gracie Waymer, Callan Waymer, and Valyn Waymer. Mr. Alford was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Alford loved his family and friends. He was immensely proud of his daughter and family, his step-son, and his extended family. Bill also had a passion for astronomy and spent many nights viewing the constellations from his Hat Creek Observatory in Austonio and teaching nephews, nieces, and grandchildren about astronomy. Prior to his illness, playing golf was a passion, and he took great joy watching his step-son play on the Nacogdoches golf team. Bill adored his grandchildren and greatly enjoyed taking them fishing and hunting. Baseball was also a passion, particularly coaching Brent's little league team when Brent was a young boy as well as watching his favorite team, the Astros, on television. He was a lifelong Houston Astros and Texas Longhorns fan and in the 70s, loved scuba diving in Key West and was honored with flying reconnaissance with the U.S. Thunderbirds while working as a news anchor in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida. He attended North Shore Senior High and Lamar University. Funeral services for William (Bill) Malcolm Alford will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at the Callaway-Allee Funeral Home in Crockett. Burial will be at Creek Cemetery in Austonio. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at Callaway-Allee Funeral Home in Crockett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Houston County Cancer Support Group c/o First Community Bank, P.O. Box 172, Crockett, Texas 75835 or American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904. Condolences for Mr. Alford may be left at online obituaries www.callawayallee.com. Callaway-Allee Funeral Home, Crockett, directors.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for William Alford

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Not sure what to say?

November 20, 2013

David C. Jones,MD and Lane

November 20, 2013

THANK YOU SO MUCH, BETTY FOR TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF MY BELOVED NEPHEW FOR SUCH A LONG TIME. YOUR REWARD WILL MOST SURELY COME TO YOU UP YONDER. SINCERELY, UNCLE CECIL

November 20, 2013

Kathleen Crow Jennings

What a wonderful man. I had the great pleasure of sitting beside Bill every night as his co-anchor at KLSB in Nacogdoches. Bill was an incredible newsman and a great friend. He taught me so much about the news business. I cherish those years in Nacogdoches and the many memories. Betty we are thinking about you and will continue to keep you and all of Bill's family in our prayers.
Love,
Kathleen and the entire Jennings family

November 18, 2013

Tracey Meador

Betty,
Jerry and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

November 17, 2013

Patty Cunningham

Betty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

November 16, 2013

Wayne Lewis

Bill was a newsman's newsman. The crusty exterior hid a very sharp wit, and you always knew the opinions he shared were honest and derived from thought and loads of experience.

November 16, 2013

Nancy Bailey

Dear Alford family. I always enjoyed listening to Bill's amazing voice. I have a picture he shot of a western hat in the field of bluebonnets. It is framed and each time I look at it I think of him. They were good neighbors to me here in Austonio, and I will always cherish memories of this wonderful family. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bill and I are the same age, just a couple of months apart. Nancy Swearingin Bailey

Posted by Nancy Bailey

November 16, 2013

Bryan Houston

Bill's death reminds me that life is fragile and we all have a pre-determined time on this earth, as designed by God. I was so fortunate to call Bill a good friend, co-worker, an encourager, someone with whom to share many laughs, someone with whom to share many complaints about work (that's waht we do in broadcasting). I loved him like a brother. My greatest regret is that we lost touch in the later years. But I will never forget you, "My Cousin". Rest in peace, Bill.

November 16, 2013

I have very fond memories of Bill. He was a fine gentleman and a welcome relief of intellectual challenges when it came to what makes the world turn. He always listened and contemplated and then he either agreed or disagreed - but always in a professional manner. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with his family - my prayers are going up all the way from Ireland. Duane Dargis

November 16, 2013

Bob Bashaw

Great broadcast journalist, better friend. Some of my best stories start with "I worked with Bill Alford at the Lufkin TV Station and one day he..."

November 15, 2013

Donna McCollum

Bill is my mentor. His love for state politics provided a lesson every time the elections came around. He saw that several members of the KTRE staff were nominated for an acclaimed award. And we won! We spoke ever so often on the phone, but I will always regret I didn't stay in touch. Bill, you provided one last lesson. Let your friends know how much you care.

November 15, 2013

Glenda Hawkins

I remember Bill from my KTRE days. He was a truly nice person. My condolences to his family. He is now among his beloved stars.

November 15, 2013

A. Cadman

I can remember looking forward to watching the news with Bill as the anchor. Few men are made like him any more. God be with his family.

November 15, 2013

Sonya Van Sickle

I am so very sorry to hear this. Bill and I worked together at KTRE many years ago. He was a great newsman from whom I learned so much. He was a wonderful and unique individual I will never forget and will always miss.

November 15, 2013

Suzie Campbell

Betty, I am SO sorry. My prayers for you and your family. Bill was a, one of a kind, wonderful guy. God bless you and yours.

November 15, 2013

Neal Barton

Bill was a great guy and great broadcaster.
It was a pleasure to have worked with him.

November 15, 2013

Sara Sears

I knew Bill from his days at KTRE, very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his loved ones.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Callaway-Allee Funeral Home

700 E Houston Ave, Crockett, TX 75835

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