Melvin Alford

Melvin, age 72, transitioned into immortality peacefully in the presence of his family on Thursday, March 9, 2023. He was born to the late Warren Sr. and Virdell Alford. Melvin received Jesus Christ at an early age.

Melvin attended Delta High School where he was an avid basketball and track star. He received his high school diploma from Kalamazoo Central High School. He studied prep classes in criminal law at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Melvin joined the U.S. Army and shortly after, met and married the love of his life Carolyn G. Fryer. From this union, their son Duane was born. The family moved to Killeen, TX for Melvin to start his military career. After serving for a few years, he was honorably discharged and relocated back to Kalamazoo, MI.

After time, Melvin was deputized with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Reserve. He worked for several years at events such as county fairs and the local car racetracks. He then became a correctional officer upholding the law in several prisons throughout Southwest Michigan. Melvin retired in 2014 from the Correctional System.

Melvin enjoyed making homemade ice cream, margaritas, crab boils, fish fries, reading the Kalamazoo Gazette, as well as watching the evening news, and 60 Minutes. Family celebrations were spent at Red Lobster, he loved the Admiral’s Feast, it was fitting because Dad was our Admiral. He loved just relaxing in the gazebo and watching the sun set. Most of all, Melvin loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Brothers, Warren Alford Jr, Dewey Alford, Jerry Alford, and Wilson Alford:  He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Carolyn G. Alford; Children, Melvin Duane (Carrie) Alford, of Kalamazoo, MI and Eric Johnson of Dallas, TX; Grandchildren, Morgan Ann-Marie Alford of Kalamazoo, MI and Eric and Ethan Johnson of Dallas, TX; Three sisters, Gloria Jean Odem, Fannie Mae German, Lasandra Alford, and One brother Lee Alford, all of Bastrop, LA; Four sisters-in-law, Nell Fryer (Robert) Wilson and Dorothy Williams both of Kalamazoo, MI, Doris Williams of Lansing, MI, and Willie Mae Payne of Montgomery, AL; Three brothers-in- law, Floyd (Valerie) Fryer of Bonaire, GA, McArthur (Adaline) Williams of Durant, MS and Clarence Williams of Millbrook, AL; Two granddaughters-in-love, Danielle (Matthew) Kirby of Austin, TX, Rebekah (Sam) Hall, of Battle Creek, MI; Two grandsons-in-love, Killian Pratt, of Kalamazoo, MI, Brandon Hall, of Colorado Springs, CO; Three great-granddaughters-in-love, Heidi Kirby of Austin, TX, Kyla and Kynslee Pratt of Kalamazoo, MI; Great-grandson-in-love Wayland and Reid Kirby of Austin TX, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Acknowledgements

We, the family of Melvin Alford, acknowledge with profound and enduring appreciation your prayers, phone calls, cards, visits, flowers, and digital messages, during the illness and transition of our beloved one. May God bless each of you! Special appreciation to the staff of The University of Michigan Cancer Center for extending Melvin’s life. Bronson Hospital and Centrica Hospice Care. Pastor Dr. Michael T. Scott, Sr. and Galilee Baptist Church for their services, prayers, love, and support.

~The Family~