Ford Albritton, Jr., Donor Of Texas A&M Bell Tower Among Many Gifts And Services, Died Sunday

Ford D. Albritton, Jr., a 1943 Texas A&M University graduate who served on The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents from 1968 until 1975 and was president in 1969 of The Association of Former Students of Texas A&M, died Sunday (Jan. 26) in Dallas, university officials have been informed.

Mr. Albritton, 93, is perhaps best known to most Aggies and others for the landmark bell tower that he and his wife, Martha, gave to the university in 1984. Formally known as the Albritton Tower, it is located on the western edge of the traditional part of the Texas A&M campus. The tower chimes on the quarter hour and can be programmed to play a variety of music, including the school song, “The Spirit of Aggieland.”

University officials have not yet been made aware of funeral arrangements.

Mr. Albritton, a World War II veteran, served as a regent and president of the university’s alumni association during a period of major growth and transition at the institution—during the presidencies of General Earl Rudder and, following his death in 1970, that of his successor, Jack K. Williams.

A recipient of the university’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1977, Mr. Albritton was active in a host of campus endeavors, including those conducted by the 12th Man Foundation, the Texas A&M Foundation and the Texas A&M Research Foundation, for which he served as president from 1970 until 1972.

He resided in Bryan during much of his life and career and was founder of one of the major manufacturing companies located in the area before he subsequently moved to the Dallas area.

The bell tower that bears his name includes an inscription that reads: “I ring with pride and honor for past, present and future students of Texas A&M University.” The tower is 138 feet tall and includes 49 bells.

In addition to the bell tower, Mr. and Mrs. Albritton made numerous other donations to the university, including the sculpture at the entrance to the Olin E. Teague Research Center. Also, he and four other prominent former students were instrumental in establishing the President’s Endowed Scholarship Program, which has been a major factor in helping Texas A&M attract even more high-achieving students, and they provided five such scholarships to initiate the program.