James David Alford

Graveside services for James David Alford, 72, of Gladewater, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 4, 2015 at Friendship Cemetery with Mr. Dale Thomas officiating. Mr. Alford passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 in Tyler, Texas. James David Alford was born to Russell and Madelyn Powers Alford in Gilmer, Texas on April 27, 1943. He was a graduate of White Oak High School. He attended the University of Houston where he played football. David served as a helicopter pilot with the Airborne Recovery Unit of the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. Upon returning home he began a long career in construction, working with Transet Company for 30 plus years. He will be long remembered as a hard worker who was both dependable and trustworthy. He built skyscrapers in Dallas as well as many buildings for LeTourneau College including the Belcher Center. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and believed in making the most out of every moment. Mr. Alford is survived by his wife, Benylu Alford; mother, Madelyn Alford; close to his heart step-sons, Joel Wilburn Laws, III and wife, Jessika, and Jace Martin Laws; brother, Sammy Ray Alford and wife Kaye; sister Cathy Holland and husband Jerry; grandchildren, Joel Wilburn "Will" Laws, IV and Knox Roman Laws as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a multitude of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Alford