Charles Wendell Alford

With heavy hearts our family announces the passing of Charles Wendell Alford. On Friday, March 22, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wendell left this earth in the constant, loving care of all his girls. Wendell, 81 years old, was born on Friday, October 2, 1942, in Houston, Texas to Charles Milton and Lila Crofford Alford. Wendell resided in Newellton, Louisiana with his wife, Glenda, where they raised their daughters, Shelby, Ashlin, and Whitney.

A sixth generation Texan, Wendell spent his early years in Houston with his parents and sisters, Patsy and Nila. He loved the Lord and was baptized on Mother’s Day 1953.  Wendell graduated from Reagan High School and The University of Houston with a Degree of Pharmacy. He later earned his Masters of Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. He worked diligently as a pharmacist and hospital administrator across Texas and Louisiana. Wendell was proud of the work he accomplished over the years, especially his time working as a representative for Eli Lily Corporation, Methodist Hospital Association, and his beloved work at community pharmacies, Davy Crockett Drug Store and Britt’s Pharmacy. Wendell met Glenda Gayle Ashley on a blind date in 1979, they married April 11, 1981, and celebrated 41 years together. They welcomed their three daughters in Texas, living in Houston, San Saba, and Colorado City where they made life-long friends who are family. On Halloween night in 1993, the Alford family moved to Louisiana, and Newellton became their forever home.

Charles Wendell Alford was a man of many nicknames and passed them out accordingly. He went by his middle name, and the aliases grew over the years to include C.W., Fido, Pops, Mr. Agreeable and Big Wendy.  Yet his most cherished name was “Boss”. Wendell was a trickster and had a constant joking nature. From a young age, he found delight in learning about classic cars, enjoying hunting and fishing, cheering for the University of Houston, and enjoying pear trees and their sweet preserves. He loved a good book and a good movie, playing Powerball, and eating Mexican food any time he got the chance. He pridefully followed the Tensas Academy Lady Chiefs and TA cheer squad, and chaperoned many church camps and school trips, never missing a moment with his girls.

Wendell’s greatest joy was doting on his wife and daughters. Forever showing them un-ending love. He gained three loving sons-in-law, of which he was most proud!  The pride for his family grew greatest when his four precious grandchildren arrived, and he became “Boss.” They will forever remember their Bossy for his fun-loving, playful spirit and teasing.

Wendell is preceded in death by his loving parents, Charles Milton Alford and Lila Edith Crofford Alford; his in-laws, Elizabeth Woodruff Ashley, Eudell Ashley, and A.C. Anglin; his brothers-in-law, James Friday and Delvin Sparks; cousin, Kermit Harper and nephew, James “Hoppy” Friday. Wendell will be missed most by his wife, Glenda Ashley Alford; daughters, Shelby Cavaness Alford Smith and husband, Daniel, Ashlin Brooke Alford Doyle and husband, Matt, and Whitney Blair Alford Cole and husband, Mitchell; his grandchildren, Charles Lane Smith, Brooks Matthew Doyle, Lila Catherine Doyle, and Thomas Mitchell Cole; his devoted sisters, Patsy Friday and Nila Sparks, brothers-in-law, Dell Ashley and wife, Donna and Bryan Ashley; sister-in-law, Anne Groce and husband, David; cousin, Juanita Alford Harper, and generations of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.  

A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Newellton on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with a service following at 11:00 a.m. Wendell will be laid to rest by his family at Legion Memorial Cemetery. A graveside service, reuniting him with his parents, will be held later this summer in Austonio, Texas.

The family suggest memorials may be made to Wendell’s most beloved organization, Cherokee Children’s Home, P.O. Box 295, Cherokee, Texas 76832; (325) 622-4201.