Mourning Earl Lee Alford

In Loving Memory of Earl Lee Alford

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Earl Lee Alford of Holdenville, Oklahoma. Earl passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 26, 2025, at the age of 73.

Born and raised in Wewoka, Oklahoma, Earl was the eldest of eight children born to Lee Ann Smith-Alford and Edward Lee Alford, Sr. Earl dedicated his life to Christ at an early age. In 2024, he rededicated his faith and was an active member of Cedar Street Church of Christ.

Earl attended Wewoka Public Schools and proudly graduated from Wewoka High School with the Class of 1970, where he was a dedicated member of the Wewoka Tigers basketball team. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with honor. After his active duty service, he continued his commitment in the National Guard for many years. He furthered his technical skills by completing truck driving school and obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Earl dedicated his life to hard work and perseverance. He began his career at Tinker Air Force Base. Throughout the years he also worked alongside his father and brothers at A&R Roofing Company. He later committed nearly 20 years of service to the Davis Correctional Facility, where he was a respected and dedicated employee. After almost two decades of service, he retired in April 2019, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and commitment.

On September 1, 1993, Earl married the love of his life, Rena “Belle” Bruner-Alford. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two daughters, Carla Madkins-Gilmore and Shamelia Alford. A devoted father, Earl considered his daughters his greatest pride and joy.

Known for his infectious sense of humor and zest for life, Earl found joy in simple pleasures. He relished the excitement of a good game of chance at the local casino and was an enthusiastic supporter of his favorite sports teams. Fondly known as the “Domino King,” he never passed up a competitive round of dominos and was always ready for a game of cards. However, his greatest joy came from supporting his grandchildren, cheering them on at their sporting events, and celebrating their achievements. A beloved figure in the community, he was affectionately known as “PawPaw” to many neighborhood children, who adored him just as much as his own family did.

Earl was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lee Ann Smith-Alford and Edward Lee Alford, Sr.; son, baby boy Alford; sister, Sharon Annette Alford-Bruner; brother, Edward L. Alford, Jr.; grandparents, George & Bernice Alford, Hollis Earl Smith, and Myrtle Webster-Wilson; niece, Dionisia R. Bruner; and nephews, Carlos A. Duke, Brylon Edward Carr, and Hunter Edward Carr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Rena Bruner-Alford; daughters, Carla Madkins-Gilmore (Melvin) and Shamelia Janell Alford; adored grandchildren, Dierre Olden, Dah’myah Olden, and Steven D. Olden, Jr.; brothers, Gary L. Alford, Brent L. Alford, and G. Ray Alford (Tracey); sisters, Gloria Alford-Carr and Montria “DeeDee” Alford; uncle, Willie O. Alford (Jo Ann); aunts, Violet Patterson and Merdine Alford-Black; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Homegoing Celebration

Date: Monday, March 10, 2025

Time: 11:00 A.M.

Location: Stout-Phillips Funeral Service Chapel

Address: 409 Wewoka

Wewoka, Oklahoma 74884

Interment Immediately Following

Westwood Cemetery

36347 U.S. 270 Business

Wewoka, Oklahoma 74884

Arrangements Entrusted To:

Stout-Phillips Funeral Service

409 Wewoka, Wewoka, Oklahoma

Please keep our family in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time of mourning. Your love and support mean the world to us.

Earl Lee Alford was the son of Edward Lee Alford, Sr. & Lee Ann Smith-Alford; grandson of George Alford & Bernice Noble-Alford, great-grandson of Wesley Dow Alford (Emily) and Annie Cyrus-Gordon (Henry); great-great-grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry; and great-great-great-grandson of Solomon & Lussie Alford.