Robert Marlin Alford

Col. Robert Marlin Alford IRMO - Col. Robert Marlin Alford (Ret.) of Irmo, SC, died February 10, 2015 at the age of 74 with his wife and sons by his side at Newberry County Hospital in Newberry, SC. He was the son of Marlin W. and Clara Alford. He is survived by his wife, Louise Alford of 52 years; sons, Robert Marlin Alford, Jr. (and his wife, Marcy) of Simpsonville, SC, Wyman Bradly Alford (and his wife, Amanda) of Charlotte, NC; and five grandchildren, Walker, Sam, Ana, Rachel, and Joanna. He is also survived by a sister, Marcia Anderson, of Simpsonville, SC. He was a true American patriot devoted to his country, his family and his faith. Born in Commerce, GA, he spent much of his early life in Eatonton, GA before moving to Milledgeville where he completed Georgia Military College. He went on to the University of Georgia graduating in 1962 and was commissioned in the United States Army. Bob's 30 year career led him to assignments in Germany, Fort Gordon, Georgia, Fort Benning, Georgia, two combat tours in Vietnam, several tours at Fort Jackson, SC, Seoul, South Korea and numerous positions in the 108th Training Division in South and North Carolina. His military education included the Infantry Officers Advance Course, Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. He also received a master's degree in management from Webster University. He retired from active service in 1993. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with V device for Valor, two awards of the Army commendation Medal, the Air Medal, the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry, and the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars. He also earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Parachutist Badge. In 1970, he was wounded in combat in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart. Bob was a faithful and a long-time member of Shandon Baptist Church. He was active in the church and worked with youth ministry programs when his children were young and in the home. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as playing all forms of racquet sports. He had a zest of life that led him to travel with Louise to six continents and over 70 foreign countries. He even rode his motorcycle to the great bike rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. His enthusiasm and love of life will be missed. A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2015, at Shandon Baptist Church followed by visitation in the Gathering area. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL or Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.