Alfred Kunde Jr., affectionately known as “Big Al” of Cedartown, GA, went to be with his Lord on November 14, 2023 at home surrounded by those he loved.
Al was born on December 30, 1924 in St Joseph, MI to Alfred Kunde Sr. and Helen Marie Davis.
Al was a military man having served in the United States Navy during WWII aboard the destroyer, USS Harlan R Dickson (April 1943- November 1945), the Merchant Marines, and finally in the United States Marine Corps retiring as a Staff Sergeant on January 31, 1965 after serving his nation for 23 years. Al was a member of the USMC Rifle and Pistol Team, ranking as one of the top marksmen in the nation in the early 1960s.
Al continued his service working as a firefighter / crash and rescue officer for Lockheed at the Dobbins AFB / Naval Air Station Marietta, GA from 1965 until his retirement in 1990. Al then served his Cobb County, GA community as a team member at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club for over 20 years before finally retiring for good in 2020. Al loved his family, his nation, his dogs, and the outdoors. He would often retreat to the North GA mountains on his motorcycle or in his red and yellow Toyota Celica GTS just to enjoy God’s creation.
Al is survived by his wife Debbie Kunde (Ritter) of Cedartown, GA, his sons David L. Kunde (Melissa) of York, SC and Scott A. Kunde of Fairfax, VA., twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Kelly Lee Kunde.
In keeping with his wishes there will be no formal services planned.
The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Alfred “Al” Kunde, Jr.
