Joshua Alford was born on March 15, 1928 in Hahira, Georgia to the late Reverend George and Daisy Alford. He was the tenth of thirteen children and was educated at the Cook County Training School in Adel, Georgia until he was summoned to work on his family farms. His father, "Papa," was a local preacher, which influenced Joshua to confess a hope in Christ at an early age. Papa owned one farm and rented two others in order to provide for his family. On the rare occasion that Joshua was not working the farms with his ten brothers, he enjoyed playing basketball, going for a swim in the local river, and fishing with his father on Saturdays.

"Dash," affectionately nicknamed by his Mother, followed his brother Elijah to Florida, at the age of 18, in order to escape the country. He was employed as a dishwasher and by a furniture delivery company while reuniting with his brother and embracing life in the city.

Joshua enlisted in the United States Air Force, at the age of 23, in September of 1951. Prior to his deployment, he married his former wife, Doris Thomas, on October 8, 1951 . Though this marriage was not permanent, his eldest son, Charles E. Alford was born into this union.

While stationed in Illinois, he met the love of his life, Betty Louise Thomas, In Brooklyn, Illinois. After a few months of dating, they chose to tie the knot on August 3, 1962. During his military career, he served as an on base transporter, certified driver education teacher, a cook and dishwasher, an in-house editor for the national and international Air Force Publications, as well as occupying several other positions during his lengthy career. He was stationed in San Antonio, Texas, Dallas, Texas, Cedar Lake, Michigan, South Korea, Germany, Fairbanks, Alaska, St. Louis, Missouri and mostly O'Fallon, Illinois at the Scott Air Force Base.

Joshua continued to serve in the Air Force until choosing to retire on October 8, 1971, after twenty years and two days of service. He was honorably discharged as a Tech Sergeant upon retirement and received the Air Force Commendation Medal. Immediately following his retirement from the Air Force, Joshua moved to East St. Louis, Illinois to care for his aging mother-in-law. Soon after, he returned to work by joining the United States Postal Service. In 1980, he was elected as the president of the Postal Workers Union, where he organized and led for nearly twenty years. He was also a beloved member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He retired from USPS in November of 1991, after a twenty years career. He remained active in the PWU and VFW until his health began to fail.

Following his second retirement, Joshua enjoyed traveling biennially to the Ben Alford Family Reunion, fishing at Frank Holten State Park, watching sports in his recliner, supporting his grandchildren's extracurricular activities, attending church weekly, while also remaining an active voice in his community through the impact of mentorship.

On July 12, 2018 , Joshua Alford received the city wide proclamation, by former East St. Louis Mayor, Emeka Jackson-Hicks, to commemorate and pay homage to his quiet, but impactful influence that made his city and neighborhood a better place. "Mr. Alford" remained embedded in his community for 52 years and was embraced by everyone he ever came across.

On June 25, 2023 , Joshua Alford departed this earthly life, and gained eternal rest. Joshua was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Paula Ann Alford; grandson, Joshua Clary-Alford' brothers, Willie Alford (Tiny), Homer Alford (Elnora), Elco Alford (Pearline), Elmo Alford (Catheirne), Elijah Alford (Lena), Earnest Hobbs, Vernon Hobbs, HB Hobbs and Clifford Alford (Evelyn); sisters, Annie Belle Hobbs-Nesmith (Alec "Buddy"), Maudel Alford-Jackson (Paul) and his childhood friend, James Sharp.

Joshua Alford is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Alford; one special "brother/cousin," Herman Jackson (Icelean) of Newark, New Jersey; loving children, Charles E. Alford of Chico, California, Shirley Streeter (Bobby) of Union Springs, Alabama, Mary Triplett (Desi Sr.) of East St. Louis, Illinois, Jocelyn Grinston (Joel) of Belleville, Illinois and Michael Alford of Belleville, IL; godson, Ontario "Terry" Hill of Belleville, Illinois; loyal friend, Joe Grinston Sr. of Cahokia Heights, Illinois; thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews ranging from the states of Georgia, Florida, Missouri, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, California and more.