James "Tom" Thomas Alford

James Thomas “Tom” Alford, 90 of Lake City, passed away at his home on Friday, September 11, 2026. He was born in Bay County, Florida, one of ten children to the late Thurman and Pearl Morrison Alford. Mr. Alford was raised in Panama City, DeFuniak Springs and Darlington, Florida and followed school by serving our country in the United States Army. He had made Lake City his home for many years having moved here from Alabama when he transferred to work for Aero Corp. earning the nickname “Walking Boy”, because he walked from Alabama to Lake City. Mr. Alford went on to work and retired from the Columbia County School Board for many years as the Director of Transportation. He was of the Church of God faith and a member of the North Lake City Church of God. Mr. Alford was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Anita Joyce Alford: his uncle who helped to raise him, Clarence Alford; and seven siblings, Junior, Ramey, Sybil, Mary Elizabeth, Pete, Catherine and Ray.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Carol Alford; his children, James Robert Alford (Theresa) of Fort White, Tammy Mullinax (James) of Albertville, AL, Lori Cobb (Jerry) of Montgomery, AL, Jerry Lee Yates, Jr. (Jessica) of Lake City, Jennifer Yates of Lake City and James Thomas Alford, II (Jaeling) of Lake City; one sister, Peggy Sauls of Dothan, AL; one brother, Rip Alford (Diane) of Newnan, GA; sixteen grandchildren, Zach, James, Jessica, James Jr., Thomas, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Kalyn, Harlee, Damien, Thomas, Darren, Desean, Charity, Cattleya and Nevaeh; and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Alford will be conducted on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the North Lake City Church of God with Pastor John Spratlin officiating. A private family interment will follow at Alford Cemetery. A time of visitation with the family will be from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday at the church.