Obituary of William Alford

William "Bill" F. Alford, Jr., 73, of Niles, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, September 14, 2017, following a hard fought battle with cancer. Bill was born on February 3, 1944, to the late William Sr. and Betty L. (Schau) Alford in Buchanan, Michigan After graduating from Niles High School, Bill went on to attend Murray State University. Afterward, he returned home to assist his father with the budding family business, Kentucky Fried Chicken. In an endeavor that would last over 50 years, Bill and his father successfully built a strong KFC business in Southwest Michigan, which culminated into 19 restaurants and a distribution operation. During his 50 year legacy as a Franchisee, he would proudly serve as President of the Great Lakes KFC Association as well as First Vice President of the AKFCF. Bill was devoted to, and loved his KFC family. Bill also had another passion in life, his love for horses. From a very young age and throughout his life, he rode, trained and competed in equestrian events. He often enjoyed relaxing and just watching the horses run. Bill took great pride in the horse farm and training complex he and his wife Nancy built together. Bill had a very strong work ethic. It was important to him to instill that into his family and work associates. Bill also found it important to contribute. He proudly but privately carried on his family's legacy of philanthropy work, giving to many local charities and causes. But, above all, Bill cherished the time he was able to spend with his family. On February 8, 2010 Bill wed Nancy Lane at a ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Lou Alford; father, William Alford Sr.; and sister, Martha Alford-Rudoni. Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Alford; children, William (Martha) Alford III of Topanga, California, Richard (Kari) Alford of Edwardsburg, Ashley (Jeremy) Courtland of Buchanan, Allison and Wyatt Alford, Jerika Eskander, Jacklyn Sullivan and Katie Grubner, all of Niles; ten grandchildren and many extended family members and close friends. He will also be remembered by his father's wife Florence Alford, whom he had kept a close friendship with, as well as Nancy's mother, Marilyn Lane. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with a time of visitation beginning at noon. Immediately following the funeral, an interment will be held in the family estate at Silverbrook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to Shriners Hospital for Children or to the Niles Scream Park. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com