Leroy "Pete" Afford

Leroy  Afford, a cherished man who is known for his love, generosity, caring and nurturing personality, left us on September 4, 2024. He was born on April 11, 1938 to proud parents the late Mr. Roosevelt and  Mrs. Willie Afford. Leroy better known as “Pete” lived a life filled with tremendous love for others and a passion for service towards others. 

His early years were filled with fun, friends and family! Lifelong friendships were formed as he matriculated through the Dothan City School system. Leroy was a graduate of Carver High School in 1957. Leroy is remembered by his classmates as a dedicated hard worker and loyal friend. Realizing that his love for numbers and business could be translated into economic success, he carried his skills into the business world eventually leading to him becoming one of the first African American bank employees in Dothan. He worked 48 years with Regions Banks formerly known as First Alabama Bank. He worked 58 years with the Dothan Elks Lodge #1887.

His main goal was to nurture, instill faith and the love of God into his family. 

There were very few Sundays when you would not find him sitting on the back row of Stringer Street AME Church. Not only was Leroy a lifelong member of Stringer Street AME Church, but he served unwaveringly in every official capacity other than the Preacher and the Usher Board! Leroy served on the Steward Board, he was an active member of the Adult Men’s Sunday School class, a member of the Sons’ of Allen and head of the finance committee. His faith chiseled the life he lived. 

A man who “stood on business” a real “boss” no artifice or fraud! He walked it like he talked and said what he meant and meant what he said! A man of few words, people listened when he talked. His friends, co-workers and family all benefited from his ingrained nature of loyalty and devotion. A well groomed man who cut a wide swath in the world. He could be imitated, but could never be duplicated. He leaves a legacy of dignity, devotion and love. It has been often said that he was the epitome of what a “daddy” is! 

His parents and siblings helped form the foundation of his love for family. 
Leroy was preceded in death by both his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt Afford; his siblings, Willie Jean Jones, Odell Afford and James Edward Afford; his granddaughter (who was like a daughter) Tiffany Afford and his great grandson Imari Glanton. 

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Sarah Afford. His three smiling and loving daughters, Ann Afford Reaves of Dothan, Donna Afford Stewart (Joel) of Birmingham and Jacquelyn Afford Gross of Dothan. He leaves 4 grandchildren who knew him as “Big Daddy” Daphne Miree, Sharon Johnson (Clifton), Kimberly Bigham and Gregory Gross; five step grandchildren, Danielle Martin, Cornelius Martin, Telly Baker, Kendrick Whatley, and Deon Whatley (Latria); a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; his in laws, Clara Afford, Sally Afford, Rev. Johnny Saffold (Earnestine), Rev. Mechelle Saffold (Teresa) and Joann Wilcox (Charles). 

Additionally, those who loved him and who will miss him and his wisdom are his church family, his Bible Study buddies, members of Dothan Elks Lodge #1887 and #810 and a host of friends and family. He will truly be missed by his life long friends, Mr. Mack Johnson, Randy Williams, Robert Ward and Gary Griffin.

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