Clarence Alford, Jr., born in Ringgold, LA on September 19, 1944 to Clarence and Ella Alford peacefully transitioned to heaven to reunite with his mother, father, brother Lex, sister Darie, and brother Etoy on May 17, 2026 at 81 years of age.

Clarence graduated from Southern University with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and minor in chemistry and moved to Pasco, WA in 1968. He continued his education at Central Washington University where he received his masters in education administration. He also studied at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

Family came first for Clarence, who leaves his wife Pat, daughter Carla, son Kentin and Chad. He was a constant supporter of his families' education and activities, whether sports related or not, he was always present cheering them on. He never tired of hosting family gatherings on weekends, cooking outside, talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company. He also enjoyed fishing and spending endless hours working in the yard gardening.

His commitment to giving back to his community was a non-negotiable core belief he lived by. He was an active community leader as President of the East Pasco Neighborhood Council and member of the NAACP fighting for equality and dignity for all. As a school administrator for the Pasco School District, he established and implemented the first Comprehensive Affirmative Action Plan, the first Comprehensive Racial Desegregation Plan, the first Non-Discrimination and language needs plan, the first Title IX Sex Equity Plan for women in athletics, and coordinated Rev. Jesse Jackson's PUSH EXCEL Program in Pasco schools. He was a founding member of Afro-Americans for an Academic Society (AAAS) which motivated and recognized academic achievements for African-American youth. His commitment extended into youth sports by helping establish Pasco Court Kids basketball league and Pasco Little League for younger children.

As an educator, Mr. Alford left an impact on students across the Pasco school district. He taught math and science at both Pasco High School and New Horizons Alternative High School (first alternative high school in Pasco). In 1981, he became the Vice Principal at Stevens Middle School and then the principal in 1992, until he retired in 1999. Throughout his career he poured his heart and energy into inspiring kids to be the best version of themselves and gain the confidence that there was nothing they couldn't achieve. Whether it was by providing encouragement, making them feel special by asking them if he "could tell you a story", or by having them look out the window as he would introduce them to "Ralph or Raphaelle" (if you know, you know), he always said there was no such thing as a "bad" kid.

Outside the Pasco school district, Clarence taught in California and Louisiana, as well as being an adjunct instructor at Washington State University, Heritage University, Big Bend CC and Columbia Basin College.

In addition to his immediate family, Clarence is survived by his seven grandchildren Noah, Taison, Trey, Isaiah, Isaac, Amaya and Bryson, great-grandchildren Arlo and Aria, sisters Clementine Townsy and Crissie Hay, along with his Aunt Atrice and many nieces, nephews and cousins that he loved dearly.

A Special thank you to Ola Rambo-King, Tom Weathers, Visiting Angels, Chaplaincy and Windsong Memory Care for their support in caring for Clarence and the many well wishes and prayers from family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Viewing: 9:00am - 10:30am at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral home on Court Street.

Funeral Mass: 11:00am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Pasco.

Burial services: Approximately 12:30pm at City View Cemetery in Pasco.

A Celebration of Life for Clarence will be held on Saturday, May 30, at Pasco High School auditorium at 10:00am with reception immediately following in the student mall (cafeteria).