H. Bruce Alford

H. Bruce Alford died peacefully Saturday morning, May 8, 2010, in his 88th year, following a battle with cancer.
Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary of University Christian Church, 2720 S. University Drive, the Rev. Dr. Alan Lobaugh, senior associate minister, officiating. Visitation: Family and friends will be received in the church's "Gallery" area after the service.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one's choice, in his memory, is suggested.
Born Sept. 12, 1921, in Speegleville, Herbert Bruce Alford was the son of Leonard Judge Alford and Sybil Perry Alford. He came to Fort Worth in 1939 to attend Texas Christian University, where he played football. Bruce was the MVP of the 1942 Orange Bowl and a recipient of the Dan Rogers Award.
Shortly after marrying Doris Marie Rogers in 1942, Bruce left to serve in the Second World War as an officer in the Army Air Corps where he flew 25 missions over Europe. At war's end Mr. Alford returned home and completed his degree at TCU and went on to play six seasons in the NFL where he was an All-Pro.
Following his career as a player, he became a referee and officiated Super Bowls II, VII and IX. Off the gridiron, Bruce was a small business owner and a member of University Christian Church where he was president of the church's board. He was president of the TCU Letterman's Association and was a leader in several community organizations.
Bruce will be remembered as a "pillar of the Fort Worth community" and as an inspiring and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Survivors: In addition to his wife of 67 years, Doris Rogers Alford, Bruce is survived by his children, H. Bruce Alford Jr. and his wife, Carole, G. Bradley Alford, John E. Forestner and Brenda Alford Leonard and her husband, Bill; grandchildren, Brent Alford and Alex and Ted Leonard; brother, Rex Alford; and nieces and nephews and their families.