Jesse Burdell Alford, Jr.

Jesse Burdell Alford, Jr. entered his Eternal Rest surrounded by family in his Wake County home on September 2, 2023.  He was proud to be the oldest son of Jessie (Bill) Burdell Alford, Sr. and Rudine King Alford of Franklin and Wake Counties. Jesse’s legacy includes a devoted life with his wife of 53 years, Shirley Carter Alford; daughter, Emily Alford Smith (Ben), and son, Jesse (JB) Burdell Alford, III (Cassie); grandchildren, Ailey and Addyson Smith, and Jesse Burdell Alford, IV and Brett Alford. He will be fondly remembered by his brothers Mike Alford (Betty) and Curtis Alford (Beth), and sister Shari Alford Gill (Dexter), numerous cousins, nephews and nieces, and friends.

After graduating from Rolesville High in 1966, he attended North Carolina State University earning a degree in agricultural economics in 1970. His love for the NCSU Wolfpack, all events at Reynolds Coliseum, and JB’s attendance kept him frequently on the campus of his alma mater. He served until retirement with the U. S. Department of Agriculture in many roles, settling in as an Agricultural Resources Manager, in seven central North Carolina counties, whose goal was to help farmers enhance and hold onto their homes and farms.  

Jesse was an avid supporter of family and friends. Whether traveling, fishing, attending ball games or sporting events, watching JROTC activities, viewing FFA and school activities, listening to Bluegrass, or just showing up, Jesse was a champion for those he loved.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service Chapel, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, NC 27545. The family will receive relatives and friends immediately following the service and other times at the Alford home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to https://ncaquariumsociety.com/                               

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