J. D. Olford Jr.'s Obituary
Services for J. D. Olford, 63, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, June 6,2015 at 12:00 noon in the
Harmony Hill Baptist Church, 2708 S. Chesnut St. Burial will follow in the Davis Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
J. D. Olford Jr. was born in Lufkin, TX. on November 10, 1951 to J.D. and Hazel Olford. He was
raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Minnie Olford. J. D. attended Brandon Elementary School, Dunbar Jr. Sr. High School and was a graduate of Lufkin High School, Class of 1971. He later
attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR.
On June 21, 1975, he married Annie Thomas Olford and 3 children were born to this union; Jason,
Shannon and Ashley Olford.
Mr. Olford has been a member of The American Taekwondo Association since 1978. He was a
sixth degree black belt - Master instructor. He received the title of Master in 1998. He started the first ATA School in the state of Texas, which now hosts over 100 schools. He has held numerous
title, including Regional ATA Vice-President, Chief of Instructions and International Judge. He is owner of Master Olford's ATA Black Belt Academy located in Lufkin, TX.
Master Olford's passion for the youth of the community compelled him to start a Taewondo program at Brandon Park in 1980. He did everything possible to encourage them to be "the best they could be". The ATA and Mr. Olford's philosophy has been "Every Child Is A Winner'.
He was awarded the Mayoral Merit Award in 2010. The Angelina County Citizens Chamber of Commerce recognized Mr. Olford with the Eagle Award on May 10, 2013 for his service in the community. He was featured on the Memorial Hospital (CHI St. Lukes) "My hospital for Life" billboard. He was also a member of Omega Psi Fraternity, Concerned Black Men of Lufkin, Inc. and was instrumental in developing the Graduate Chapter of Eta Kappa Kappa.
Mr. Olford worked faithly at New Zion Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Trustee
Board and as a Deacon. He was Building Superintendent over the "Vision 98" project which later became the Hope (Helping Other People Excel) Center of North Lufkin where he served as Chairman of the Board. He believed that if you put God first, everything else will fall in place. Master Olford attributed his success to "blessings from God".
Master Olford assited Taekwondo students with their college goals by offering part time employment through his school. His school also supports the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, HU Lee Scholarship Program, Adopt- A- Highway and the Hope Center of North Lufkin. He has hosted numerous ATA Tournaments which has brought thousands of students, parents and spectators to the city of Lufkin and has made a tremendous impact on the economy of Lufkin.. Master Olford was most notably; an upstanding husband, father, grandfather
and businessman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his 3 grandchildren, Alexus,
Deon and Jamal.
His parents, J. D. Olford, Sr. and Hazell Olford Christopher; and brother, Johnny Ray Harper preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his wife of 40 years, Annie Olford; son, Jason (Lisa) Olford of Dallas, TX.; daughters, Shannon Olford of Euless,
TX. and Annie Olford of Forney, TX.; brothers, Jack Taylor of Boston, MA., Ronnie Olford of Trenton, NJ, Kenneth Olford of Trenton, NJ. and bishop Designate Clifford (Stephanie) Olfprd of Lufkin, TX.; sister, Janiece Huff- Olford of Trenton, NJ, sister-in-laws, Shirley White, Cynthia (Ray)
Davis of Lufkin, TX. and Mary Edens of Vallejo, CA.; brother- in - laws, Doyle (Sandra) Thomas and Anthony (Maydessa) Thomas of Lufkin, TX.; uncle, Robert Singleton; grandchildren, Alexus Mirah Wagstaff, Jason Deon Olford and Jamal De'Sean Olford; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins an friends.
What’s your fondest memory of J. D.?
What’s a lesson you learned from J. D.?
Share a story where J. D.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with J. D. you’ll never forget.
How did J. D. make you smile?