"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
– Proverbs 3:5-6

Deacon Willie Alexander "Tub"
1948-2021

Proud parents Jimmy Alexander, Sr. and Mary Robinson Thomas of Madison County, FL welcomed Willie Alexander into their family and to the community on April 1, 1948. Willie remained a lifelong resident of the area. Preceding him in death were his parents, his brothers: Nathaniel Alexander(recently), James Alexander, Albert Alexander, William Alexander, T.J. Alexander, Jimmy Alexander, Jr.; grandchild: Samarion Sampson.

Willie was affectionately called "Tub". His parents raised their eight sons and only daughter on a farm in the Cherry Lake community when doing farm work was not an option. The work was hard and exhausting, but it taught them valuable life lessons in discipline, dependability, and responsibility. These qualities were reinforced by their teachers at the outlying schools and at Madison County Training School where Tub earned his diploma. This work ethic was evident in Tub's 43 1/2 years of employment at Gold Kist poultry plant.

Willie was drafted in the U. S. Army and proudly served his country with valor and distinction during his deployment in the Vietnam War. For his honorable service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device.

Willie was taught to honor God and keep Him first in all things. Having accepted Christ as his Savior early in life, he became a member of Architillery Baptist Church. Because he was a faithful servant leader, he was selected to become an ordained deacon.

Deacon Willie was kind and loving, a devoted family man who truly loved his family – his beloved wife of 43 years, his loving children, and extra special grandchildren. He never met a stranger because he loved people and treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated by them.

Tub loved to manicure his lawn, giving it the "Yard of the Month" curb appeal. During his retirement, he enjoyed having time to watch wrestling, westerns - especially Gunsmoke, Lifetime and soap operas.

His wings were ready but his loved ones' broken hearts were not. On Thursday, November 4, 2021, Deacon Willie Alexander completed his earthly responsibilities and went home to be with the Lord.

It's hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. Forever cherishing his loving memories are his dutiful wife: Ola Alexander; children: Keith (LaTonya) Alexander, and Sylvia Alexander, all of Jacksonville, FL; brothers: B.J. Alexander and Eddie Thomas, both of Madison, FL; sister: Mary Lou (Eddie) Luster, of Madison, FL; brothers-in- law: Joe (Gwendolyn) Brinson and Herman Brinson, all of Madison, FL; sisters-in-law: Eula Robinson, Luneal Alexander, and Lorene Alexander, all of Madison, FL; grandchildren: Tiana Holmes, Deryk Hopkins, Ke'Juan Irvine, Malayka Scott, Jazmine Castle, Mya Scott, Demetrius Alexander, Bryce Alexander, and Samiha Sampson; 5 Great-grandchildren; along with a hosts of loving relatives and sorrowful friends.