John Beckham Alford, Jr.

Rev. John Beckham Alford, Jr., age 87, of New Bern, NC, and formerly of Littleton, NC, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, in his home. He was born August 27, 1937, in Norfolk, VA, the oldest son of John Beckham Alford, Sr., and Mary Christine Allsbrook Alford. He also counted his aunt, Toni Allsbrook, as his “second mother.”

Known among friends and family as a “jack of all trades” and “the last of the shade tree mechanics,” his philosophy of knowing how to do a lot of things served him well throughout his life. John loved to work in his garage, especially on his tractors and vintage cars. He was the current President of the Coastal Carolina A’s and loved to drive his 1929 Model A in the Trent Woods Christmas Parade every year.

He is a graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan College and Southeastern Theological Seminary. Before joining the ministry in 1979, Rev. Alford worked for many years in the defense industry building guided missiles at the Norfolk Naval Air Station, and as owner (with his wife) of Aesop Schools, Inc. After being called to serve the Lord, he ministered at several churches, including Antioch and Bethlehem Christian churches of Littleton, NC; Calvary Baptist Church of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Sanford Memorial Baptist Church of Brodnax, VA; and as Director of Missions for the Concord Baptist Association.

John married his loving wife, Dr. Nancy Elizabeth Boylan Alford on August 6, 1960. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage and had five children. She preceded him in death in 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mary Elizabeth Alford Rogers, and two brothers, Raymond Alford, and Howard “Butch” Alford.

He is survived by his five children, Donna Robinson and her husband, Eddie; Roger Alford and his wife, Marsha; Tommy Lee; Laura Bell and her husband, Steven; and Joseph Alford; brother, Donald Alford; sister, Sylvia JoAnne Alford Edwards; ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

His memorial service will be held Friday, August 1st at Bayboro Baptist Church at noon. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.