Former Alachua City Commissioner Robert Wilford Dies

ALACHUA ‒ Former Alachua City Commissioner Robert Wilford, age 80, died on June 17, 2025, in St. Augustine, Florida. He was a longtime public servant and U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated his life to community service and advocacy.

A native of Jacksonville, Wilford served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years before retiring in 1983. Sixteen of those years were spent as a cryptologist with top secret clearance, followed by four years as a religious programs specialist. During his service, he authored two training publications and received numerous awards and commendations.

Wilford’s commitment to helping others began during his military career and extended well beyond his retirement. He remained involved in various veterans’ organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans of America (Gainesville Chapter), Marine Corps League (Gator Chapter), Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association, and the U.S. Navy Fleet Reserve Association.

After his Navy service, Wilford transitioned into health care administration in Florida and Georgia. In 1987, he began a decade-long career as an executive director for organizations focused on substance abuse recovery, addiction treatment, and prison ministry. He later served as executive director for similar programs in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

He continued his mission to serve communities when he became executive director of the Tri County Community Council in Bonifay, Florida. There, he oversaw transportation services, housing assistance, food distribution, child development, and Head Start programs.

In 2006, Wilford returned to Florida to lead the Central Florida Community Action Agency (CFCAA), Inc. as CEO, a position he held until 2013. Over his 27-year executive career, he focused on economic development and sustainability through nonprofit and governmental partnerships.

His contributions were recognized by several organizations. He was named “Advocate of the Year” by the East Gainesville Development Corporation and received the “Outstanding Community Leader” award from St. Luke AME Church.

Wilford was elected to the Alachua City Commission in 2010 and served three terms as vice mayor. His civic involvement included serving on the board of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services, the Florida Association for Community Action, and the Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association.

In addition to his public service, Wilford authored a book on childhood sexual abuse, published in May 2015. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International, a former president of the Turkey Creek Lions Club, and a charter member of the Alachua Optimist Club. His volunteer work included participating in Kairos Prison Ministry International at Lake Butler and in programs supporting incarcerated veterans at Florida State Prison.

In 2022, Wilford moved to St. Augustine to enjoy retirement with Diane, his wife of more than 50 years, and their grandchildren.

“My heart is still in Alachua and it was a tough decision to move, but it is time to spend more time with my family and grandchildren,” Wilford said at the time.

When asked about the legacy he hoped to leave, Wilford replied: “As having made a difference in others’ lives.”

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