Alba Royce Alford

Services for Alba Royce Alford, Jr. 66, of Tyler, will be held on Friday, February 21, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Ray Davis and Rev. Gary McDonald officiating. Burial will follow at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Alba Royce Alford, Jr. passed away February 18, 2014 under the care of Hospice of East Texas. He was born November 13, 1947 in Kilgore to Alba Royce, Sr. and Lorene Thrasher Alford. Royce attended the University of Texas where he graduated with a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering degree with honors. In Tyler, he worked for Howe Baker, PetroFac and most recently KP Engineering in Tyler. Royce was a Christian who loved and trusted his Lord. He was an endearing husband, a proud father, adoring grandfather, a dependable, loving big brother and a trusted giving friend. He was a man of great integrity and character. Royce had a superior work ethic. He lived out Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Royce was genuine and lived his faith. He shared that faith with his family and friends. His life is a testimony for Christ and our lives are richer because we knew him. He was a quiet and gentle man and we loved him greatly. Royce was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving family including his college sweetheart and wife of 43 years, Patricia Lightsey Alford; daughters, Amanda Murphy and husband Matt of Wylie and Allison Cunningham and husband Jason, of Warner Robins, GA; grandchildren, Cole and Sadie Murphy, Adiah and Ava Cunningham; mother-in-law, Dana Lightsey of Center; sister, Holli Hagler and husband Gary of Keithville, LA.; brothers, Rick Alford and wife Millie of Houston, Steve Alford and wife Sheila of Henderson, and Mitch Alford of Tyler; brother-in-law, Mike Lightsey and wife Mary Ann of Crockett; and many loving nieces and nephews and lifelong friends. Pallbearers will be Pete Ministrelli, Neal Autin, Brandon Steele, Bill Heimbaugh, Ken Fischer and Kent Bradley. Honorary pallbearers will be The Carpenter Sunday school class of First Baptist Church Whitehouse, Employees of KP Engineering, Danny Wyatt, Jerry McFadden and Mike Allen. Visitation is scheduled from 6:30 –8:00 PM on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. If desired, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler 75701 or First Baptist Church Whitehouse, Building Fund, 801 E. Main St. Whitehouse, 75791.

Alba Royce Alford

November 13, 1947 - February 18, 2014