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2015 SESSION

15104779D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 881
Offered February 19, 2015
Celebrating the life of M. E. Alford.
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Patrons-- Joannou, Cox, Gilbert, Habeeb, Jones, Kilgore, Landes, Lingamfelter, Stolle and Ware; Senator: Ruff
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WHEREAS, M. E. Alford of Portsmouth, a proud veteran and distinguished educator who dedicated his life to helping students become lifelong learners, died on January 16, 2015; and

WHEREAS, a native of Taylor County, Florida, M. E. “Mike” Alford earned a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and became a math and history teacher; and

WHEREAS, joining many of the other young men of his generation, Mike Alford entered the United States Navy during World War II; he graduated from a naval engineering program at the University of Illinois and was stationed aboard the USS Bannock; and

WHEREAS, Mike Alford courageously served in several engagements in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; he participated in the D-Day landings at Utah Beach and the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander; and

WHEREAS, after his honorable military service, Mike Alford earned a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University and a doctorate from the University of Virginia; he returned to education as a principal, director of instruction, and assistant superintendent of instruction for Norfolk County elementary and high schools; and

WHEREAS, in 1960, Mike Alford joined the George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University as a professor; he relocated to Portsmouth to become the president of Frederick College and later retired as the superintendent of schools in Portsmouth after a decades-long career in education; and

WHEREAS, Mike Alford volunteered his time and wise leadership to further enhance the community as president of a local Rotary Club and the Ruritan Club of Great Bridge and a member of many other civic and service organizations; he sat on several university boards and was an active member of peer and professional organizations, such as the American Association of School Administrators; and

WHEREAS, Mike Alford earned many awards and accolades for his commitment to students and exceptional service; he was named one of the top 100 executive educators in the United States and Canada in 1984 and named one of the three most distinguished alumni of Middle Tennessee State University in 1986; and

WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith throughout his life, Mike Alford enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregations of McKendree United Methodist Church, Oak Grove United Methodist Church, and Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church; and

WHEREAS, Mike Alford will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 70 years, Eva; son, William, and his family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of M. E. Alford, a veteran, educator, and respected member of the Portsmouth community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of M. E. Alford as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.