Rt. Captain H. Denton Alford

Rt. Fire Captain H. Denton Alford 82, of Cataula, Georgia died Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus.

Funeral services with Columbus Fire and EMS Honors along with Masonic Rites will be held 11:00 AM Monday, September 28, 2020 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home with Rev. Mike McBride officiating. The family will receive friends 3:00 to 4:30 PM Sunday, September 27, 2020 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Ga. 31907. The funeral service will be LIVE-STREAMED on the Face book page of McMullen Funeral Home for those who are unable to attend.

In keeping with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory will be following the recommendations set by the Columbus Consolidated Government and Governor Brian Kemp by requiring face coverings and social distancing for those attending the visitation and the chapel service.

Denton was born October 15, 1937 in Columbus, Georgia son of the late Cleveland Dewey and Estelle Miller Alford. He was a 1956 graduate of Jordan Vocational High School.  After graduation he joined the Air Force and served four years as a radar technician.  After serving his country he came home and married the love of his life and serve his community by joining the Columbus Fire Department retiring as a captain after 32 years of service. During his years in the Fire Department he received his Fire Science degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College, earned advanced certifications at Central Florida Fire Academy, Orlando Florida and helped organize the Columbus Firefighters Association and served as president for two years. Denton was a member of Rose Hill Masonic Lodge #484 for over 53 years and member of the Covenant Friendship Sunday School Class at Evangel Temple Assembly of God.

Denton felt that his greatest achievement and joy came from the love he had for his children and grandchildren.  His Granddaddy Daycare raised and nurtured them.  He never missed a soccer match, baseball game, karate match, school ceremony or graduation. He was a motivator, mediator, coach, and chauffeur to them. He is also remembered and loved as the embodiment of a big brother to his 6 siblings.  He was always willing to help whatever the need. We will miss his easy smile, sense of humor and unwavering principles of right and wrong.  His love and kindness lives on in each of them.

Denton absolutely loved his 20 years of playing softball in the Columbus Senior Softball league. He also played on the Mid-Georgia Seniors Travel Team for 8 years traveling and competing all over the Southeast and Southwest. The travel team won numerous regional and national championships.  He was recognized as the team VIP several times.  During his last tournament in Myrtle Beach he hit 6 homeruns and his team took the national title.

Other than his parents, Denton was preceded in death by his brother, Dewey Alford.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Linda Johnson Alford; children, Brannon Alford (Charlyne) of Cataula, Ga., DeLaney Johnson (Bill) Columbus, Georgia, grandchildren, Ashbi Alford – Cataula, GeorgiaCarson Alford (Megan) – Woodstock, Ga., Riley Alford – Woodstock, Ga., Will Johnson – Columbus, Ga. DeLaney (Laney) Johnson – Columbus, Ga.,Travis Thimm (Brittney) -Maple Plane, MN, Skylar Thimm –Brooklyn Park, MN., Great Grandchild: Dawson Alford – Woodstock, GA., Sister, Jeannie McGuire – Columbus, GA., Brothers, Carlton Alford (Brenda) – Lagrange, GA, John Alford – Cataula, GA, Larry Alford (Pat) – Hamilton, GA,  Jerry Alford (Becky) – Cataula, GA and three generations of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harris County Humane Society at www.hsharrisco.org

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