Alvin Samuel Radford, 86, of Ararat, VA, passed away at Sovah Health in Martinsville on January 8, 2025, after a lengthy struggle with diabetes. He was born on March 11, 1938, in Patrick Co. VA, son of the late Hardin Otis and Lorene Ola Epperson Radford. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Dwight James and three brothers: Arnold, Arliss (Jeff) and Wendell.
Alvin graduated from Blue Ridge High School where he was active in sports and FFA. He was a hard-working Dairy farmer, and he cut Timber as well as raised Tobacco. He followed this by becoming a long-haul trucker with R.L. Shelton Trucking, Inc. for many years.
He never met a stranger and enjoyed listening to stories told by others and was quite a story-teller himself. He was humorous with descriptions and voice imitations, he could bring an event to life. He was up-to-date on all the happenings at his father’s store at Crossroads where he grew up and he treasured his neighbors there. He took pleasure in following NASCAR racing and watching a good baseball game, was an avid reader and read The Winston Salem Journal and The Enterprise regularly. In his younger days, playing the fiddle brought him joy and he especially liked bluegrass of all kinds. Alvin was also a History Buff and a humble follower of Jesus Christ as he left a legacy of followers behind him.
Alvin is survived by his wife of 64 years, his high school sweetheart, Frances Hill Radford, who accompanied him on several of his long-haul trips. Also surviving are their two children, son, Greg Radford and his wife Kim, and Daughter, Cindy Hoffman and her husband, Tim. 12 grandchildren: Brandon, Justin, Jessica Harriman, Aaron, Forest, Caleb, Josh, Seth, Zechariah, Nathanial, Gabriella and Micah. Four Great Grandchildren: Brody, Collin, Beau and Olive.
Alvin took real delight in their frequent visits and the many family gatherings held throughout the years. He was a proud Papa. Other survivors include brother, Dale (his wife Wanda), Wendell’s wife, Ann, cousins, nieces, nephews, numerous in- laws and several extended family members.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Unity Church, Ararat, VA, with ministers Buford Jessup, Mark Collins and Cory Shelton officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm, special music from 2:15 until 3:00 then a short service with refreshments in the fellowship hall to follow. Burial will be private. In Lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Frances H Radford 4332 Unity Church rd., Ararat VA24053 to be used for memorial stone commemorating Alvin’s life.
