A Northeast Georgia firefighter hailed a hero after losing his life during a water rescue in Florida will be laid to rest Thursday. The funeral of former Banks County Fire Capt. Richie Alford is scheduled for 1 p.m. June 22 at The Torch Worship Center in Demorest.
Alford, who lived in Lula, died on June 15 while rescuing two distressed swimmers in the Gulf of Mexico. He was vacationing at Panama City Beach, Florida, at the time of the fatal incident.
He was 52 years old.
First responders escorted Alford’s body home in a 145-mile-long procession from LaGrange to Habersham County on Sunday, June 18.
Alford retired from the Banks County Fire Department as a captain two years ago. He then became the owner and operator of Habersham Glass in Cornelia.
His family says he never met a stranger and helped all those in need, “which he did continuously at the fire department and in his day-to-day life.”
An avid outdoorsman and sportsman, Alford was a talented bass player who played in several bands.
He is survived by his parents and wife of 20 years, Pam Mote Alford, five children and step-children.
Following the funeral, Alford’s body will be carried to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Lula for burial. The Last Call Honor Guard will provide full firefighter honors.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21, at McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home in Cornelia. The funeral home is at 175 VFW Post Road in Cornelia, Georgia.
According to Alford’s obituary, flowers are accepted, or donations may be made in his memory to the Edmondson Telford Child Advocacy Center in Gainesville or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Richmond Don “Richie” Alford obituary
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Body of firefighter killed in rescue returned home to Northeast Georgia
