Charles Ray Alford

Charles Ray Alford, age 94, of Purdon, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on July 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 14, 1931, in Emhouse, Texas, to Robert and Ester Brown Alford. Charles accepted Christ as his savior in December 1948. Around that same time he learned the art of hard work, enlisting in the United States Army at just 17 years old. He served during the Korean War with the 691st Engineers. He was asked what he wanted to do and replied “I want to drive the biggest thing you have.” Thus, his passion for work and big trucks started. Charles was based in several duty stations here in the United States, as well as serving in Guam. He served in the Army in some capacity until his Honorable Discharge in 1954. During this time, he met and married his first wife of many years, Bonnie. At the end of 1954, Charles and his family moved back to Galveston, where he was raised, and began work driving trucks for the Mobil Oil Bulk Plant. During this time, he attended flight school there in Galveston as a hobby. Charles acquired his pilot’s license and purchased a Cessna 172 for his personal use. However, he was a member of the Galveston Skydiving Club and piloted skydivers until May 1976. In 1955, he opened a Mobil Full-Service Station on 37th and Broadway there on the island. Charles owned and operated the service station until 1965, when he started driving part-time for Falstaff Beer Corporation in Galveston. The following year he was offered a full-time long-haul position with Falstaff Brewery, culminating in Charles selling the service station in 1966. He drove for Falstaff until May 1976 when the long-haul division was phased out. During this time, he began dating his current wife, Margot. Beginning in May 1976, Charles and Margot began driving for Bray Truck Lines out of Cushing, OK. They drove together over-the-road until 1978, when they incorporated and became owner/ operator of Charles Alford Truck Lines, Inc. Charles and Margot married October 28, 1978 in Santa Fe, TX. Charles and Margot operated Charles Alford Truck Lines, Inc. out of Bridge City, TX until 1992 when he retired for a short time and they moved to their current home in Purdon, TX. Charles spent a few years working on hobbies before driving for GoCo Trucking out of Corsicana. He drove for GoCo Trucking for many years before picking back up as an owner/ operator around 2002. Charles drove trucks with his youngest son, Kendall, until officially retiring in 2023 at the age of 92. Charles continued staying active taking care of his farm, and visiting many family and friends, until he was called home July 23, 2026. Charles is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Margot Alford; his children, Patrick S. Alford and wife Sarah (Orange, TX), Theresa King and husband Don (Lebanon, MO), Jerry E. Alford (Lebanon, MO), Kendall Alford and wife Katie (Groesbeck, TX), and Amanda Pennington and husband Dylan (Corsicana, TX); 26 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren; along with many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ester Alford; his children, Della Kimmel, Robert William Alford, Charles Ray Alford, Jr., and Joey Alford. Services to celebrate Charles' life will be August 29th at 1:00pm at Hubbard Cowboy Church in Hubbard, TX. Charles found purpose in a hard day’s work and took great pride in everything he did. He will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, adventurous spirit, love of family, and the friendships he treasured throughout his long and well-lived life. His legacy of hard work, perseverance, and love will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. His determination and generous heart will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. We would like to extend a special thanks to Charles’ hospice nurses Alicia Guin, Jennifer Standford, Heather Monk and Amy Eagle for the amazing care they provided him in his last months. A heartfelt thanks to Chaplain Bibel for his thoughts and prayers the last weeks of Charles’ life. We would also like to thank Legacy Rehab, Vital Caring and Visiting Angels for their wonderful care. **In lieu of flowers, please send donations in honor of Charles to Hubbard Cowboy Church and truckersfinalmile.org.

Charles Ray Alford

October 14, 1931 - July 23, 2026