Ralph Hamilton Alford

Ralph Hamilton Alford, 71, of Ridgeland, passed away at his home on July 27. He fought valiantly after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer) in 2018, but ultimately succumbed to heart failure.

Ralph was born on March 3, 1952, to Herman “Bud” Alford and Alma Hamilton Alford in Kosciusko, Mississippi. After graduating as salutatorian from H. V. Cooper High School in Vicksburg, he went on to study Accounting at Mississippi College in Clinton.

Ralph graduated from Mississippi College in 1974 and immediately started work at DeMiller, Denny, Word, and Company (which later became Harper, Raines, Knight, and Company), kickstarting a 43-year career as a Certified Public Accountant. His specialty was Taxation with an emphasis in Oil and Gas, for which he was a renowned expert. He retired from Harper, Raines, Knight, and Company in 2017 as a partner in the firm.

On July 15, 1989, Ralph married Karen Dollar Slawson, his one and only true love, and they remained together for the remainder of his life. In their time together, they traveled, spent time with their family, and enjoyed the natural sanctuary of their home.

Ralph was a selfless, generous and modest man, with a calming presence and a great sense of humor. He was a mentor to many throughout the years, and was also an avid animal lover.

Ralph was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his wife, Karen Alford of Ridgeland; stepdaughter Candace Slawson of Canton; stepson Alex Slawson (Jerry) of Huntersville, NC; brothers Allen Alford (Roberta) of Orlando, FL, and Steve Alford of Vicksburg; sister Lynn Alford of Vicksburg; several nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces; numerous cousins; and, his beloved dachshund, Maggie.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made either to Community Animal Rescue and Adoption (CARA) Mississippi or the Mississippi Animal Rescue League.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for the Alford family.