Gary Alford

Gary Floyd Alford (Gramps, along with many other nicknames not appropriate for an obituary), age 68, died at his home on May 1, 2021 surrounded by his family. Gary was born on August 19, 1952 to his parents, William Edgar Alford and Lillian Lois Alford, in Baton Rouge, LA. He served as his class president of the Baker High class of 1970.  Gary loved his family and had many, many friends. He was a long-time Baton Rouge businessman and owner of Alford Safe & Lock, where he grew up making keys. He will be remembered for his incredible sense of humor and quick wit.  He enjoyed time with his family, life, hunting, fishing, shooting sporting clays, and the sunset in Key West. Gary was confirmed at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on March 31, 2018.  In addition to his sense of humor, and what many people never knew, Gary was one of the most giving people that his family will ever know.  Small examples of his charity, include buying numerous strangers their groceries on Christmas Eve and giving snacks to his John Wayne, Evilin, at JH Lee Fresenius Dialysis Unit. In his own words, “Don’t’ cry for me. I’ve lived a good life.”

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and son, Brodie Joe Alford. He is survived by his wife and first love in high school,  Mary Guessfeld Alford; siblings Reed (Diana) Alford and Dianna Alford; daughter Jacqueline (Scott) Hedlund; stepchildren Chris (Robin) Achee, Melissa (Shane) Wilkinson, Bryan (Jessica) Achee; grandchildren Colin and Casey Hedlund, Elizabeth and Collin Achee, Bayli Sanchez, Brayden and Brooklynn Wilkinson, Nicholas and Ryleigh Achee; great grandchildren Davis and Harper Sanchez; dedicated employees of Alford Safe & Lock Bryan, Richard, Justin, Tyann, Jimmy, Joe, Donnie, and Renee.

His pallbearers are Scott Hedlund; Chris, Bryan, Nicholas, and Collin Achee; Shane and Brayden Wilkinson. Honorary pallbearers are John and Reed Alford, Bill Corvers, Jimmy Guessfeld, Lonnie Hankton, Brian Hisaw, Ben Johnson, Camp Matens, Don Mouton, and Clarence Gene Williams. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 6, 2021, from 5-9 pm at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home.

Visitation will continue at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church from 9:00 AM until a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 7, 2021. Special thanks to St. Joseph Hospice, especially Brandi Baker and Jennifer Laws. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Vincent de Paul in Baton Rouge or McMains Children Developmental Center.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.