Richard Kenneth Alford

Retired Col. Richard Kenneth Alford, a proud veteran who served over 29 years in the Army, passed away on July 24th, 2023. The son of Carl and Ruth Alford, Richard grew up in Ocala, Florida. He was born on November 16th, 1955 in Tallahassee, Florida, then moved to Ocala where he attended Forest High School. It was during this time that Richard fell head over heels for the love of his life and future wife Kathie “Kae” Lynnette Frank. Richard attended the University of Florida, where he earned a BS in Food Resource and Economics. He was also commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. Richard and Kae were married on September 2nd, 1978, one week after graduation. He then went on to earn an MS in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and was granted the honor of being a fellowship student at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. During his 29 years of active duty in the military, Richard served as Provincial Director of Military Police, Director of Operational Protection, Deputy Chief of Staff, Resource Manager and Crisis Action, and Inspector General. In 2011 he retired from the US Army at the rank of Colonel. He then served a total of five years of international mentorship in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. Richard also worked as an operations manager, police trainer, and was a specialist in law enforcement operations. He also provided security for VIPs and mission essential facilities throughout his career. In his free time he enjoyed fishing, carpentry, collecting coins, collecting guns, collecting GI Joe action figures and comics, and watching Gator football (GO Gators!). Richard had a passion for aviation and aerospace, and had received his pilot license during his time in the military. Richard is survived by his wife Kathie, his three children – Travis, Tracie, and Tristin, six grandchildren – O’Ryan, Mackenzie, Anakin, Adelyn, Arbour, and Auslan, and his three sisters Carla Chapman, Gwen Ferguson, and Sandi Boutwell. A service honoring the life of Col. Richard Alford will be held on Monday, July 31st, 2023 at 11:00AM at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services with a burial following at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens with an Honor Guard Ceremony.