Alfred Dean Ousley

A series of events can alter special moments in your life. We celebrated the birth of children, graduations, marriage, and job promotions. However, there is one event that we did not celebrate. Unfortunately, that is the decline of health that ultimately leads to death.

Alfred Dean Ousley was born on August 28, 1953, at the family home on Brewster Road. He was the youngest of eleven children raised in the Ousley household. From an early age, he demonstrated determination and independence. At just eight years old, he started his own lawn service, going door to door along neighboring streets seeking customers. Growing up in the neighborhood, he formed childhood friendships that lasted more than 65 years. He considered many within that community to be his extended family. Alfred was a proud 1971 graduate of Samuel W. Wolfson Senior High school and a 1978 graduate of Florida Junior College.

What a difference a day can make. In a single day, Alfred left his family home and became a husband, and I left mine and became a wife. We were two young adults in our early twenties, stepping into marriage and embracing the responsibilities and possibilities of adulthood. We faced fears, uncertainties, obstacles, and whatever life brought our way but we faced it together. To some, we may have seemed very different. He was known for offering his strong and confident opinions, while I could rarely find anything negative to say about anyone. Yet those differences strengthened and balanced our union.

Throughout the years, we shared countless treasured moments. Among the most significant was the birth of our two children. God blessed us with a son and a daughter. I will never forget the profound joy on Alfred’s face as he held his son for the first time. In that moment, I saw his deep commitment to being a provider, protector, and devoted father no matter what. His love for his children was unwavering.

Over the years, Alfred would choose 17 different career paths before finally securing his dream job at AT&T. He retired with 30 years of service in 2010.

Alfred had a passion for renovating homes. Although I never formally applied for the position, I often became his unpaid and sometimes overworked apprentice. There were a few projects I respectfully declined. Together, we rebuilt, repaired, and remodeled houses long before home renovation shows became popular. I always respected his self-taught skills and his dedication to mastering new trades. If he was the Lone Ranger, I was proudly Tonto.

For anyone interested in learning a practical skill, Alfred was more than willing to share his knowledge. Equipped with the information and guidance he provided, many were able to obtain sustainable employment or pursue entrepreneurship on their own.

He found enjoyment in rediscovering history and staying informed on current events. CNN, NewsNation, Meet the Press, and PBS were among his preferred sources for following national and global affairs.

Alfred was an avid sports enthusiast. His favorite professional football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers, and for more than 50 years he remained passionate about the legacy of the famed “Steel Curtain” defense. The University of Miami was his favorite college team.

He was also admired by many of his peers for his exceptional basketball skills. Some even encouraged him to consider pursuing opportunities with professional NBA teams. During that era, one of the eligibility expectations was a minimum height of six feet. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, his height proved to be the only barrier to what might have been a professional basketball career.

He was a former member of Mt. Zion missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. G.L. Sims and currently Rev. Anthony Beeks.

Beginning life without him after 47 years of marriage feels unimaginable and deeply heartbreaking. I will miss our spontaneous family road trips, driving along scenic coastal highways or traveling north to witness the changing colors of the landscape. We cherished the simple gifts that God gives daily, blessings so often taken for granted.

For the past 13 years, I remained by his side as he courageously battled an intense illness. It was devastating for him to lose his independence and to depend on the assistance of others, eventually requiring around the clock care. When the pain became increasingly aggressive and unbearable, it was clear that his earthly journey was nearing its end. On February 14, 2026, at 7:46 p.m., Alfred peacefully departed this life and transitioned to be with the Lord. All that I can truly say is that God blessed me with a GOOD MAN…

He was preceded in death by his parents Willie B and Joanna Ousley; and his siblings, Voncile, Dorothy, Lillie Mae, Joe Louis, Bobbie Jean, Willie, Hiawatha and James.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory a devoted wife, Charlotte Ousley; his beloved children, Alfred and Salena Ousley; his sisters, Annie Austin (Clarence) and Nancy J. Jordan; a host of 384 generational nieces and nephews; other relatives; and many sorrowing friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Southside is serving the Family.

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