Claude Lamar Alford, Jr. 78 of Eatonton passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
Claude was born on Dec. 22, 1945, to the late Claude Lamar Alford, Sr., and Mary Sue Alford of Morgan County. After graduating from Morgan County High School in 1964, he studied forestry at ABAC in Tifton. He married Frances Webb Alford and had two daughters, Claudia Leigh Herald of Pooler, and Candace Alford Wooten of Eatonton.
Claude was a dairy farmer for many years before pursuing his hobby as an antiques dealer. He continued buying and selling antiques and collectibles until his death.
Claude lived life to the fullest. He was always up for an adventure whether it be a trip to the mountains, four-wheeling in his Bronco, water skiing on just a boat paddle, dancing and performing the jitterbug, going to estate sales, or remodeling and refinishing furniture.
Of all the things he loved, his daughters and beloved dachshunds, Happy and Willie, he loved the most.
Family and friends were blessed with treasures as well as fond memories from his many road trips.
The trail of legacies and stories that Claude left behind is a tribute to a life well lived. Claude loved his family and friends and showed that love daily when he would call to chat with them about their day.
Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Lamar Alford, Sr.
(Buster) and Mary Sue Alford; sister, Patricia Alford Paschall; sisterin- law, Jean Webb Oakes, and his dachshunds. He is survived by his former mother-in-law, Mildred Webb; his former wife, Frances Webb Alford; his daughters, Claudia Leigh Herald (Joe), and Candace Alford Wooten (David Getty); and his dog Ryder.
He is also survived by his niece, Kelly Paschall Steuber; and great nephew, Cole Steuber.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Vining Ivy Hill Chapel, 105 Lower Harmony Road, Eatonton, GA 31024.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to Circle of Friends Animal Society, Inc. in Greensboro, Georgia, where he rescued his beloved dog. Vining Ivy Hill Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.