Tuesday morning, March 18, 2008, in Naples, Fla., I called my dear friend, Norris Ellis Alford, and asked, "How does it feel to be 100 years and one day old?" He replied with a chuckle, "I'm starting on my second hundred today."
He lived at Scott Depot, until he passed from this life at 8:30 on Sunday morning, July 6.
Norris Alford, the son of Stafford and Lyda Escue Alford, was a lifelong resident of Lincoln County, St. Albans (Kanawha County) and Scott Depot (Putnam County), all within close proximity. He was a member of the Church of God. He and my dad, Clarence Ellis, were ushers at the Scott Depot Church of God with Paul Eggleton, Cecil Fulks, William Eggleton, Lon Perry, Hank Maddox, Clarence Smith, Homer Maddox and Ralph Briscoe.
After retiring from FMC in 1971, following 38 years of employment, he continued to operate "Alford's Lawnmower and Fixit Shop" in Teays Valley for more than 35 years. Gary Young of G & G Builders said, "Mr. Alford kept my mowers running in good shape for many years."
Not long before his 100th birthday, I took his mail in and watched him read it without glasses. Having left my watch at home, I looked across the dining room to the kitchen from the living room, to glance at the clock on the microwave, but couldn't see it. He looked up, without glasses, and said, "It's 3:30." He had been blinded many years earlier in one eye by an acid mishap at the plant. After that painful accident, he was soon back to work at the same job.
Speaking during the service of remembrance, at Chapman Funeral Home on Thursday, July 10, the Rev. Keith Hudson, officiating minister, spoke of his tremendous knowledge about many things. He recalled that engineers would often ask him about things in the plant they did not have answers for. He usually did and was able to help. The Rev. Dr. Rodney Taylor spoke of the times when he had talked with Mr. Alford about the things of God and eternal life and the many times they prayed together. He was a man of deep faith and commitment to the will of God. He now understands more completely than St. Paul did when he wrote about being "absent from the body and . . . present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Norris Ellis Alford loved his family, his church, his country and God. He missed his beloved wife, Jewell, of 67 years. They were sweethearts forever. He often talked about her, especially on days like their wedding anniversary, her birthday and Mothers Day.
He looked forward to daily phone calls from one or more of his children. Dolly, Lowella and Norris loved their father and often brought or sent special gifts for him. They set an example for all children in terms of being attentive to parents in their older years.
He lived closer than any other neighbor. He was one of the great men I have known. I was honored to speak at his funeral. Psalm 116:15 puts it best, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."
Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist who can be reached at P.O. Box 345, Scott Depot, WV 25560; phone 304-757-6089.
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