RALEIGH - Cecil C. Alford died Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Rex Hospital.  Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today (Wednesday, July 6) at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545, with the Rev. John White officiating. Burial will follow in the Zebulon Town Cemetery with Full Military Honors.

He was born to Johnnie W. and Susie Brantley Alford of Pilot and Zebulon, respectively. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 23 years of active duty, plus 16 years in the Air Force Reserve, having served throughout the world during World War II, Korean and the Vietnam Conflict. He received many decorations including the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church.

Surviving: wife, Leona Hannah Alford; sons, David C. Alford (Judi) of Newport News, Va., Lawrence C. Alford (Marilyn) of Kernersville; four granddaughters and nine great-grandchildren; and three stepsons and their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Theda (Teddy) Privette, and all of his brothers and his sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. James United Methodist Church, 3808 St. James Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.