Dr. John Gordon Alford Jr., 79, Peachtree City, died Dec. 20, 2009 from respiratory failure. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He received his master’s in education from Northwestern University and his Ph.D. from Harvard. He worked in various educational administrative roles for the State of Illinois for over 30 years, retiring to Tallahassee in 1988. He later served with the Peace Corps in Pakistan. He enjoyed Kiwanis and volunteering with other civic and charitable organizations.

Memorial services were at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. David Miller officiating. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Alford, Peachtree City; a son, John G. and Sherry Alford, Alpharetta; daughters, Susan Alford, Summerdale, Ala., and Nancy and Ken McCray, Grayson, Ga.; grandchildren, Kenny and Kyle McCrary and John Parker, and Cole and Maggie Alford; and brothers, Dr. Donald O. and June Alford, Tallahassee, and Dr. Stanley P. and Karen Alford, Denison, Texas. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City, was in charge.