Billy Ray Alford

Billy Ray Alford was born in Blytheville, Arkansas, on October 9, 1939, son of Burley and Florence (Evans) Alford. He departed this life October 10, 2014, at his home in Salem, Arkansas, at the age of 75 years and 1 day. Billy was united in marriage to Jearline Sechrest on November 24, 2012, at Salem, Arkansas. He was a park attendant for the City of Salem and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. Billy enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved his church family at Apostolic Jesus Only Church. He is survived by his wife, Jearline Alford of the home; five daughters, Melinda Johanning and husband Darrell of Laveen, Arizona, Penny Alford of Salem, Arkansas, Kelly Hoskie and husband Steve of Murray, Kentucky, Pam Vaught and husband Ron of Columbia, Missouri, and Janice Gilley and husband Ronald of Marked Tree, Arkansas; two sons, James Alford and wife Evon of Aldrich, Missouri, and Raymond Alford of Tyronza, Arkansas; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; stepmother, Wilma Alford of Sikeston, Missouri; stepdaughter, Sherrry Freeman of Milan, Tennessee; three stepsons, Dale Chaney, Danny Chaney and wife, Brenda and Denny Chaney, all of Birch Tree Missouri; six sisters, Jo Smith and husband Ron of Salem, Arkansas, Wanda Sherrod of Fresno, California, Burlita DeRoush and husband Don of Nashville, Tennessee, Rita Lewis and husband Jerry of Mayfield, Kentucky, Jackie Hulls and husband Rick of Sikeston, Missouri, and Phyllis Hollis and husband Clyde of Jackson, Tennessee; two brothers, Albert Roork and Peggy Webb, and Sam Roork and wife Betty, all of Salem, Arkansas; uncle, Bill Evans of Memphis, Tennessee; special friend, Bill Enterkin of Salem, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Sonja Alford. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, October 18, 2014, 1:00 PM in the Apostolic Jesus Only Church in Salem, Arkansas, with Bro. Jim Burrow officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Barker Funeral Home of Salem. Memorials preferred to Salem City Park.