Ronald "Ron" P. Alford, 94, of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.

Ron was born on October 1, 1921 in Idaville, IN to the late James and Maude (Turner) Alford. He married the love of his life, Alberta "Berta" Ruddy on January 21, 1946 in Fairview, OH. Together they lovingly raised three wonderful children. They were married over 63 dedicated years before she passed away in 2009. A part of him went with her on the day God called her home.

Ron proudly served our Country in the United States Army during WWII. He served with the 292nd. Joint Assault Signal Company in the Pacific Theater surviving 7 amphibious assaults on enemy held islands. As their troop ship gently rocked in the calm waters of Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945, Alford and thousands of other American soldiers and sailors silently witnessed Generals Yamamoto Isoroku and Tojo Hideki formally surrender to Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

Upon his return from the war, after marrying Berta, they moved to Traverse City, in 1950 where he had vacationed as a child. He then worked as a Fuller Brush salesman, then was employed by the Traverse City State Bank, followed by 27 years working at the Traverse City Iron Works, ending his career as the Traffic Manager.

Ron and his wife Berta were active members of the former Asbury United Methodist Church. After retirement they spent winters in Gulf Shores, AL, where they attended the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. Ron and Berta were members of the Gulf Shores Country Club, playing golf five times a week usually walking 18 holes. Ron and Berta also spent time in the summer at Grand Marais and were very fond of their many adventures traveling. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Ron is survived by his two sons, John (Kathy) Alford of Williamsburg, Mark (Kathie) Alford of Traverse City, his daughter, Lynn (Erik Furseth) Alford of Traverse City, 4 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and many other loving family members and friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, dear wife Berta, and a brother John and a sister Thelma.

Ron wished to be remembered as a man who valued his faith, family and country.

Visitation will be held for Ron on Wednesday November 18, from 5 pm until 8pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11am on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at the Traverse Bay United Methodist Church with a visitation held one hour prior. Grave-side committal services will be held in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging or the Traverse Bay United Methodist Church.

Kindly share thoughts and memories with Ron's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.