Hollis Howard Alford

Mr. Hollis Howard Alford, 98, of Progress, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 31, 2026, at his home.

Hollis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, dedicated church member and community leader whose life was marked by faith, service, leadership and a deep commitment to the people and institutions of southwest MS.

Born April 3, 1928, in Pike County, Hollis was a lifelong resident of Pike County and Progress community. He attended Progress School, continued his education at Southwest MS Junior College from 1947 to 1948, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Mississippi State University in 1950, where he also was a member of the MSU Track Team. Hollis also served his country as a United States Army veteran. Hollis loved reading poetry and could recite many of his favorite poems.

Hollis operated a dairy farm in the Progress community beginning in 1951 and spent decades in agricultural leadership and rural finance. He retired from Production Credit Association in the early 1980's, but his service to the farming community and to rural institutions continued for many years.

Through his work in agriculture, rural electrification, finance, and education, Hollis became a trusted voice and steady leader across the region. He served in numerous community and professional leadership roles, including chairman of the Advisory Board to the Federal Intermediate Credit Bank of New Orleans; chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation in Herndon, Virginia; chairman of the Board of Directors of the Deep South Division of Dairymen, Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky.

His service also included roles as a charter member and director of the National Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative in Washington, D.C.; secretary-treasurer of the Board of Directors of South Mississippi Electric Power Generation and Transmission Cooperative in Hattiesburg; senior vice president of Production Credit Association in Brookhaven; president of the Federal Land Bank Association of Magnolia.

Hollis gave 52 years of service to SMCC, 28 of those years as board chairman. In 2002, the SMCC Alumni Association unanimously named him Alumnus of the Year, recognizing his character, accomplishments, and years of service to the college. He was regarded as a goodwill ambassador for Southwest and dedicated a great portion of his life to helping build the quality institution it is today.

Magnolia Electric Power recognizes Hollis for 48 years of outstanding achievements in rural electrification and for his exemplary devotion, leadership, and invaluable contributions to the Magnolia Electric Power Board of Directors, including serving as board president for 25 years. His leadership helped strengthen rural electric service for families, farms, and communities across the region.

Hollis was a long-time member of Progress Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for 20 years, as Sunday School director for 15 years, and as worship leader. His faith was central to his life, and his years of service reflected his love for his church and community.

Hollis was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Katie Ruth Alford; parents, Inez Allen Alford and Claude Anding Alford; granddaughter, Autumn Brumfield Fury; daughter-in-law, Shirley C. Alford; sisters, Kathleen Easley (JD), Florene Brumfield (Hall); brother, C.A. Alford (Marilyn).

He is survived by his 5 children, Ramana Young (Joe), Rebecca Brumfield (James), Howard Alford (Sylvia), Lisa Alford, and Andrew Alford (Kimberly); 15 grandchildren, Taylor Young (Leslie), Zachary Young (Anna), Mitchell Young (Kaitlyn), Jacob Brumfield (Ashley), Megan Mordica (Joe), Connor Alford (Erin), Emily Easterbrook (Turner), Carley Daigle (Seth), Anthony Ardillo, Mason Alford, Carson Alford, Cooper Alford, Zoe Alford and 19 great-grandchildren.

The Alford family would like to pay special appreciation to Hollis' special caregiver, Jean Newman, for her many years of service.

A visitation will be held at Sharkey Funeral Home on Friday, September 4, from 5PM to 8PM. A visitation will be held at Progress Baptist Church, 1010 Progress Church Road, on Saturday, September 5, from 9AM until time of service at 11AM, with Dr. Connor Alford officiating. A graveside service will immediately follow at Progress Baptist Church Cemetery with Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Mr. Hollis' grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers are past and present SMCC Board Members and MEP Board Members.

The family asked in lieu of flowers please send donations in his name to Progress Baptist Church, c/o Bernice Knippers, 2092 Progress Lexie Road, McComb, MS 39648.