Alfredo Zamora Jr., 63, an avionics engineer and resident of Grand Prairie, died Monday, January 4, 2010 at a Dallas hospital.

Alfredo was born February 19, 1946 in Sabinal, Texas and was raised in nearby Snyder. After graduation from high school, he moved to Chicago to attend DeVry University. While there, he would be drafted into the US Army, serving 2 years as a missile specialist during the Viet Nam war. After his military service, he would move to the Dallas area where he would complete his degree, receiving a Bachelor's of Science.

Alfredo worked in various places in his earlier years, including radio station 9.10 AM where he worked as an engineer. He would later start his employment with L-3 Communications, a contractor specializing in various facets of government services. His faithful employment would last more than 33 years.

Alfredo was active in the political arena, both nationally and locally. In 1990, he served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. He also started HARP, Hispanics Americans Reaching the Public.

Alfredo loved baseball, playing in the Mexican Professional League, and later becoming an announcer. He was an avid runner, competing in several marathons. He was a graceful dancer and never met a stranger, often buying drinks when he himself would not drink. He loved to see people happy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Maria Belia Garcia Zamora; children, Missy Zamora and spouse Jason Eckols, Benny Zamora and spouse Laura Cansino, Roberto Zamora and wife Natalie; grandchildren, Joel Zamora, Siera Zamora, Jasmin Zamora, Gino Zamora, Benny Zamora Jr., and one grandchild "on the way".

Also by his brother, Rudy Zamora; sisters, Olga Chavera and Rosie Hernandez.

Visitation: 12 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Guerrero-Dean Funeral Home, with Rosary at 7. Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m. Thursday, January 7, 2010 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 2910 Corn Valley Road, Grand Prairie, Texas. Burial will follow with military honors at Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens.

Alfredo was preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo C. Zamora Sr. and Hortensia Botello Zamora.