Mr. Lester "Bear" Alford was born to the union of Mrs. Joe Ann Middlebrooks Alford and the late Mr. Marvin Alford on December 7, 1966. After this day, he lived his life to the fullest until he was called to his new home on October 25, 2015.

Bear joined the Sunnyside Baptist Church at a very young age. He attended Woodbury High School from where he graduated in 1984. He joined the Southern Mills team for a while, before moving on to Yamaha Motors, then to Southwire. But, those who knew him knows he wasn't satisfied until he struck out and went into business for himself doing construction.

Bear leaves to cherish all his blissful memories, two daughters, Ms. Brittany LaShay Alford of Gay, GA, and Ms. Keonshay Keshun Render of Columbus, GA; four young men he raised as his own, Mr. Delando Hayes, Mr. Devonte' Hayes, Mr. Rodney Brewe and Mr. Rashad Brewer, all of Newnan, GA; He helped raised and claimed as his own, his niece, Ms. Candis (Candy) Alford; He had one loving God daughter, Ms. Tytianna "TJ" Parks (Lil Duck) of Newnan, GA.

Bear was blessed to have six sisters whom he watched over always, Ms. Belinda Faye Alford, Ms. Evelyn Delaine Alford, Mrs. Zandra Yolanda Jones (William), Mrs. Valerie Alford-Roberts, all of Newnan, GA, Ms. Shawanda Alford (Tonio) of Luthersville, GA, Mrs. Sonya Mallory (Quinton) of Jonesboro, GA.

Bear will be truly missed by his surviving great aunts and uncles, Mrs. Lucille Simpson of Detroit, MI, Mrs Sallie Roberts and Mr. Willie Woodard of Columbus, GA, Mr. Frank Middlebrooks (Irene) of Homestead, FL, Mr. Tommy Brooks of Atlanta, GA; Bear leaves seven aunts and five uncles, Mrs. Johnny Mae Barnes, Mrs. Martha Godfrey, (Willie Cleveland), Mrs. Shirley Johnson, Mrs. Carrie McGruder (Harvey), Mrs. Annie Clayton (Mike), Mrs. Kathy Hunter, Mrs. Rebecca Darden, Mr. John (Snook) Middlebrooks, Mr. Robert Middlebrooks, Mr. Charlie Middlebrooks, Mr. Tommy Middlebrooks and Mr. Victor Middlebrooks. Bear leaves sixteen nieces and nephews and six great niece and nephews to cherish him memories of their loving Big Uncle Bear. There are a host of cousins and friends who will miss the gentle giant called Bear because he was so loved by many near and far. Also, two special friends Merlinda Marshall and Willie Sinkfield (Chiney).