He was born August 11, 1926 in Hunters, Ark and a longtime resident of El Dorado.
After graduating from El Dorado High School, he served his country in the Army Air Force under the Aviation Cadet Program based in Okinawa Japan from 1943-1946 during World War II. While serving in the war, the Pentagon was in daily contact with his father requesting the immediate need of trenching tools he produced and shipped to the soldiers. Alfred Jr was asked by the Pentagon to terminate his service and return home in order to help increase production but declined and continued to serve in the Army.
After returning home after two deployments he began his career as the third generation owner of the Acton Handle Company and B&T Handle Co. With the help of his brother, Billy Ray Acton, they operated hickory mills throughout the south in full production. During this time, they were the largest producer of hickory dimensions in the world (snow skis, hammer handles along with thousands of drum sticks during the Beatles era) shipping to Norway, Finland, Germany, Japan, Australia, Canada and Czechoslovakia. Alfred was also a long term employee with the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railroad as a fireman and Locomotive Engineer. He enjoyed his time with the railroads and had many interesting stories.
In 1948, Alfred married the love of his life, Freda Ann Humble, and they lived life to the fullest for over 72 years. Throughout his life, he was an avid bass fisherman, gardener, love decorating his yard for Christmas and enjoyed repairing bikes for the kids and lawnmowers for many neighbors. Most of all, he was a great storyteller with numerous subjects that will be lifelong memories for everyone that knew him. He will be missed tremendously.
Preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Acton, Sr. and Gertrude Melvina David Acton, brother, Billy Ray Acton, sisters, Treva McDaniel and Yvonne Dean.
Due to Covid 19, a small graveside service with Rev. Gerald Perry officiating along with military honors will be held June 20, 2020 at the McFarland Cemetery in Banks, Arkansas under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Pallbearers will be Mike Acton, Kenny Stein, Mike Gayle, Brian Nash, Drew Martin, Garrett Martin and Dennis Chadwick along with honorary pallbearers, Lex and Brett Nash.
Special Thanks to his beloved neighbors Brian and Monica Nash & family, his caregivers Stephanie Hall and Drew Martin and Southern Caregivers Debby and Dana.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18