Chester Allen Alford

Chester Allen Alford, known to many as Buncy, after a long battle with cancer, was called to be with the Lord, April 6, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.  Chester was born September 29, 1952, in Westminster, South Carolina, to Chester A. Alford and Victoria C. Alford, the second of four children and the only son.

Through the guidance of his loving parents, Chester accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Westminster, SC. The family instilled a focus on strong Christian values that was shared throughout his upbringing.  His mother’s favorite scripture which she would share with him frequently, “Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart”, would be the scripture he would utilize to get him through the difficult times in his life. Chester carried this in his heart endlessly because of the strong loving bond he shared with his mother. 

Due to his father’s military deployments, Chester’s early educational experiences include stints in El Paso, South Carolina and Germany. The final two years of high school education would be completed at Burges High School in El Paso. He would star as an athlete at Burges, garnering All-City and All-District honors in football and basketball. His outstanding athletic abilities and performances led to him receiving a scholarship to play football for the University of Texas at El Paso. His college career abruptly ended after one year due to being drafted into the military, the last group to be involved in the legally required draft.

Chester’s military tour included assignments at Fort Polk Louisiana, Fort Meade Maryland and Camp Casey, South Korea. After completing his tour of military service, Chester would return to El Paso where he would reconnect with family and friends. Although Chester had his struggles in life, he would eventually find happiness when he met and married Margaret Stout-Jackson. He loved teasing Margaret, nicknaming her JW (John Wayne) due to her authoritative walk and toughness. Chester could spend all day watching his cowboy western movies and sports on TV.  He and Margaret enjoyed sitting in the backyard entertaining the children and grandchildren while listening to his old school soul music. Fond memories were created as they enjoyed going fishing, camping, attending the kid’s sporting events, and the frequent family dinners. Chester always treasured his childhood memories visiting with family in Westminster and Conway, SC.

Joining the family, Chester would attend McCombs Baptist Church. He attended Sunday school, regular services and participated in the Men’s monthly Brotherhood breakfast meetings. Chester’s biggest joy was singing in the men’s choir where the family really looked forward to hearing him lead his favorite song, “I Am On The Battlefield For My Lord”.   

Chester is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Victoria Alford; and sister, Dannette Alford.

His memory and presence will forever be rooted in the hearts of his family and friends.  He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; sisters Brenda Vanley (Lawrence); Avis V. May (Kelvin) of Kansas City MO; brothers-in-law, Richard Stout (Nancie) and John Stout (Diana) of El Paso; sister-in-law, Helen Iglesias (Ralph) of San Diego CA; sons Matthew (Delaney) of Plano TX; Scooter Jackson (Andrea) of Leander TX; daughter Jalisa Jackson; seven grandchildren, Melodi, Elisa, Marlee, Ezekeil, Caleb, Kaylyn and Skylar; uncles, Clifton B. Childers (Olive) of Silver Spring, MD, Emmerson Alford (Ursula) Conway, SC; aunts Mollye Robinson of Camden, SC, Joyce Jones of Conway, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Chester will always be remembered for his kind heart, big smile, sense of humor and dishing out nicknames to friends and loved ones. Listening to the old school music with friends along with the love of family, especially his grandchildren, gave him joy.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a Prayer Service at 6:00pm on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive.  Funeral Service will begin at 11:00am on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at McCombs Baptist Church, 10601 McCombs Street.  Committal Service to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson  Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.  Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.