Alfred Lax's Obituary
Alfred Lax, Jr. was born in Diaz, Arkansas, September 8, 1926 to Alfred, Sr. and Elnora (Warren) Lax. He was the third of six children born: Oscar, Walter, Alfred, Jr., Chester, Ulysses, and Charles. The family moved from their forty-acre pecan farm to 735 Monte Diablo Avenue in San Mateo, CA by 1944. The Lax brothers grew up and maintained a special bond and respect for each other.Alfred’s Christian development began in Arkansas and continued as a teenager at St. James AME Zion Church. His father was a trustee and his mother was a missionary and choir member. Because his entire family clan worshipped together with other families who migrated from the south, he learned to live in a culture of fellowship among a community of love and support. He considered St. James his church home until his passing. He also enjoyed visiting Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland. Once after much probing, he attended Allen Temple’s revival, preached by Jeremiah Wright, Jr. After he preached “Are You Flapping or Flying?” So moved and inspired by Dr. Wright’s weaving the eagle in the sermon, he bought the cassette, carried in his pocket, and began evangelizing to all he met asking, “Are You Flapping or Flying?” Alfred, Jr. married Georgia Anna Walker in l949. He became the father of Patsy, Pamela, and Alfred, III. He resided in San Francisco and Redwood City, CA. In l993, Alfred married Lillian Maggard, moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and extended his love to her family members. Alfred, also known as “Uncle June”, “Grandfather,” worked as a machinist for Moore Chemical in Burlingame and later for Raychem Corporation until he retired after 40 years of employment. He and his brothers were instrumental in developing the company from wire/cable to a multi million-dollar competitive business in Silicon Valley. In addition, he worked as a landscaper to support his family. Despite his round-the-clock hard work, he maintained a passion and dedication for the Los Angeles Dodgers.Alfred proudly served in the United States Army as a Combat Battalion Engineer in the 1940’s. The Army decorated him with a World War II Victory Medal and an Army Occupation Medal. This experience remained one of his favorite discussion topics to share with family and friends. As a Grand Lodge Mason, Alfred was a member of Community Lodge #43. Until his passing, he felt his identity as a Christian responsible man was due for the most part because his brotherhood association with this organization. Although Alfred attended abbreviated formal schooling to seventh grade, he became self-educated in all aspects of life. He believed everyone must obtain as much education possible despite surrounding altering conditions. Known to wear his baseball caps backwards, he stressed the importance of learning Black History as one pays attention to the greatness of people who had to overcome so much to live properly as human beings. As a benefactor at beating the political and social odds he faced, he believed one must be equipped with education to survive. He read everything he could and wrote letters often to meet his personal needs and make his point clear. He struggled hard to work two and sometimes three jobs to support his family to prevent poverty and suffering. He felt he was to provide the family’s home, transportation, food, and insurance for every aspect of life. He demonstrated that the head of the household worshipped on Sundays with his family. He lived off of less than 10% of his earnings and saved the rest. He learned how to “grow” his saved money incorporating stock, bonds, money markets, and certificate deposits. As he did this, he became fascinated by its operation and financial benefits. His excitement grew as he shared his wisdom by discussing the topic with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren or who ever else would listen with hopes that they would follow his lead.A person could cherish Alfred’s life by reflecting on what he did best. Alfred appeared to have a personal relationship with all living things. He enjoyed deep sea and bank water fishing along with hunting. He loved to plant trees and flowers and nurture their growth. He seemed to know how to turn any grass or tree green and produce a garden to remember forever. One of his brothers, Walter once jokingly by stated, “If he sticks your finger in the ground, you will grow, too.” At times, he would just sit in the yard alone as if he was speaking alone with nature. He often discussed the wind movements and one can learn by paying attention to what animals do. His spirited touch in barbequing chicken, ribs, and leg of lamb attracted many. Drop-in guests that took advantage of the moist melt-off-the-bone experience saturated with the almighty Lax Family barbeque sauce regularly attended his home. He loved every visitor, invited or not, who filled his home for fried chicken and fish, fresh country picked greens and corn, card playing, soulful Motown tunes blaring, and lots of loud laughter and small talk laced with a variety of beverages. His believe was no matter what little one has, make sure all are fed and look out for those with less. He had a unique gift of listening from his spirit and not just with ears. In his company, by the time one parted from his presence, self-value and importance remained an indelible memory. He met no stranger and found good in everyone, whether it was visible or not. He tried to make things fair to all. Anyone who spent time in his presence felt they were Al’s special person. As generous as he was to family and friends, he practiced giving back to those that gave to him. It was important to him to bring balance in all acts of kindness.Many believe that Alfred, known to favor the bald eagle, must have been anchored in God’s wishes for man. He appeared to obey a higher command. The mightiest of birds and animals in general, the bald eagle is known for its beauty, uniqueness, wisdom, poise, patience, vision, and, grace. Alfred, like eagles, is a reminder of God’s love for us all. Before his passing, his sole wish was to back home with to his investment in relationships with family and friends. May we forever cherish life and love of Alfred Lax, Jr.To continue his legacy, he leaves his beloved wife Lillian, brother Chester Lax, Sr. and sister-in-law, Ada Lax, sister-in-law Deola Lax, daughter, daughter, Patsy Lax-Lockhart, Pamela Jo Lax (deceased), son Alfred Lax, III, daughter -in-law, Kim, step daughter Lauren (Anne) and step-son-in-law, Lanz, grandchildren Dana Nolley, Therese Banks, Mishua Thomas and grand-son-in-law, Terence Thomas, Armand Jackson, Sr., Marcus Allen Andino and grand-daughter-in-law, Erika, Brandi and Christopher Andino Leslie, Anthony, Allen, DeShawn, Aliyah, Alecha Jasmine, (step) Kenyon, LaVandor, Kanisha, Mikalah, great grandchildren: Timothy Bluitt, Amara and Anthony Banks, Jr., Terence Thomas, Jr., Malohne Thomas, Alfred Jackson, Jr., Christopher, Makayla, and Isabella, nieces and nephews, his life long friends/best friends Willie and Barbara Grimes (cousins), Corine White, Lonzo Riley, and Ira Godfrey, Sr., nieces and nephews, countless cousins, aunts and uncles, many other extended /friends and family members in California and Oklahoma.
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