Adrian Neal Alford

Adrian Neal “Coach” Alford, 93, passed away peacefully at home on February 22. He was born on August 16, 1923 in Owensboro, KY, the son of Woodie and Euen Alford. He grew up in Owensboro and graduated from Owensboro High School where he was a Cadet Major in ROTC. He attended Indiana University where he won a letter playing end for the Hoosiers and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, Skull and Crescent honorary sophomore organization for fraternity men, and “I” men’s association. Neal transferred to the University of Georgia to work with Coach Wally Butts as assistant football coach. While at UGA he was also the head wrestling coach and youngest head trainer at a major university. He was a member of the Gridiron “G Club” and Letterman’s Club. He graduated from UGA in 1948. Neal also coached high school football at Gainesville, GA and at Marist College, Atlanta. After several years of coaching, he went into the construction business. He was general superintendent of construction and retail sales for the Knox Corp. of Thomaston, GA. After moving his family to Central Florida in 1957 he was General Manager of Keeman Brick Co. of Central Florida until his retirement. Neal was a member of the President’s Club UGA, Georgia Bulldog Club and Wally’s Boys. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Winter Park, The Gathering of Men, Kiwanis Club, and Construction Specifications Institute. He was a Kentucky Colonel. “Coach” was a lifetime, avid Georgia Bulldogs football fan. The only thing he loved more than the Bulldogs was his family who he was completely dedicated to. He was a charismatic, kind southern gentleman who never met a stranger. He made everyone he knew feel like they were his best friend and someone special. Neal is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Nancy; son Adrian Neal “Chip” Alford, Jr. (Dee Dee); daughter Robin Dubois (Bruce Burghard); grandchildren Eric Dubois, Kacy (Lawrence) Lyman, Wes Alford and Shelby (David) Varet; and great-grandsons Charlie and Chase Lyman, all of Winter Park, FL. Neal was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ottley and John W. “Dub”, and his sister Georgia.

A service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, February 27 at First Baptist Church of Winter Park, with a reception in Fellowship Hall immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation be made in Neal’s name to the First Baptist Church of Winter Park, 1021 N. New York Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789, or a favorite charity. Memories can be shared and condolences may be sent to the family at www.baldwinfairchild.com.