December 28, 2021, 89, La Grange –
Albert McKinley Radford, 89, was welcomed into the presence of his Lord on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. Albert was born in Greene County to the late Herman and Cora Radford on March 31, 1932.
A love of the outdoors was instilled in Albert from his early youth. He could grow just about anything, and the produce from his garden and fruit trees was bounteous. Springtime brought a bumper crop of blueberries, and you could expect to find Albert picking grapes to make homemade wine or picking up pecans in the fall. Growing corn, soybeans, wheat, tobacco, and all kinds of livestock, he could always find a task to keep a busy man even busier. Time on the links was spent nearly every Wednesday, playing golf at Sleepy Creek and later Lane Tree Golf courses. Any day was a good day for golf, except for Sundays, for he dedicated that time to his Lord and his family.
Meticulous in his actions, Albert was known to be a bit peculiar. When he wanted something done, now was the only time to do it, and there was no better person to accomplish the task than himself. A man of few words, each word he spoke had meaning and you were wise to listen when he spoke. Always attentive, nothing got past Albert. He could be quite the cut-up and was the master at one-liner responses.
Albert was happiest when he was surrounded by his family. If they were eating together and one of them couldn’t be there for some reason, he would always want to make sure they knew about the meal, because he wanted them to be together. He didn’t much care where he was as long as he was with his wife and family. Fridays were made for eating fish at B&G Grill, and Sunday lunches were the best, for all of the family gathered together to enjoy delicious food and divine conversation.
Raising their family, Albert sacrificed much to make sure his family had everything they needed and most of what they wanted. He allowed his kids to have any animal they wanted, and many a dog found a home in the comfort of Albert’s family. His home was always a place of welcome, as the door was open to anyone any time.
Dedicated to his faith in Jesus Christ, Albert worshiped alongside his family at Beston United Methodist Church. Serving as a greeter, you could find Albert at the front door of the church every Sunday welcoming all those in attendance.
Hearing Albert giggle would always stir a laugh in the spirits of others. His demeanor, especially with the ladies, was quite the delight as he would cut up with them every chance he got. Perhaps his high school title as the jitterbug champ solidified his position as a true ladies man.
Albert was adored by his family, for whom he was a source of joy and strength, but also by countless others, all of whom were struck by his quiet generosity, along with his unassuming intelligence. He cherished his wife and was a role model to his family. Albert loved the land and the life of the farmer. He was a gentle soul, as was often displayed in his blessings around the table. Nothing flashy spoken, just words of humble gratitude. Always kind and loving, his heart grew even more tender after his heart attack some years ago.
A member of New Hope Ruritan Club, Albert was honored on July 2, 2020 with 58 years of service with the Ruritans. His barbecue chicken was known throughout the area as he was the master griller and backbone of their yearly chicken sales.
Family and friends will share in a time of fellowship from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Rouse Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held at Fairview Cemetery.
Albert is survived by his wife of 69 years, Daphene Newsome Radford; children, Steve Radford (Jan Cox), Jeff Radford (Susan), and Lisa Ritko (George); grandsons, Craig Radford (Jessica), Clayton Radford, and Kyle Radford (Lauren); great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Hadley; step-grandchildren, Tyler Worley, Melissa Haraway (Josh), and Jennifer Frank (Jason); step-great-grandchildren, Ayden, Avery, Sydney, and Carson; and siblings, Betty Lou Parks, Addie Lovett, and Bruce Radford (Linda).
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to Beston UMC Building Fund, c/o Lisa Ritko, 1501 E. Mulberry Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
