Alex Szafir, Jr., 88, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2015, after courageously fighting a lengthy illness. He was born December 26, 1926, in Beaumont, to Alexander and Florence Vaughan Szafir. He attended Beaumont schools and received his diploma from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. He immediately joined the U.S. Navy and honorably served his country until the end of World War II.
After the war, Alex resumed his education at Lamar Junior College in Beaumont. While there he took up the game of golf, which became one of his lifelong passions. He completed his education at The University of Texas in Austin, receiving his BBA degree.
Thusly prepared, he joined the family business, Szafir Office Products, which had been founded by his grandfather in 1897 and taken over by his father. Alex took the reins and operated the business successfully for many years.
After selling the business, he dabbled in real estate and enjoyed golf with his friends at the Beaumont Country Club. In 1991, he married Peggy Bivins Szafir and entered a new phase of his life, namely one filled with children. He learned to love all of Peggy's grandchildren and endeared himself significantly to them all.
For many years Alex was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and he often attended Bible study and services with Peggy at Calder Baptist Church.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy; sons, David Bivins and his wife, Carol and Randy Bivins and his wife, Terri; grandchildren, Zach Bivins; Katie Bivins; Abbie and her husband, Justin; Samantha Bivins Adams and her husband, Jeremy; Jessie Bivins; Patrick Bivins; Kayce Bivins; stepdaughter, Pam Price; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alex was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Emile Szafir; sister, Miriam Willis; and his first wife, Ann Vallee Marquis.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2015, at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. The service will be led by The Reverend Dr. James R. Fuller.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calder Baptist Church, 1005 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
Complete and updated information may be found at www.broussards1889.com.
