Joe Alexander

Joe Whitley Alexander

Joe Alexander, 94, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, July 25, 2021. A visitation will be 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 520 Stafford Street. Interment will follow in Albany Cemetery, 8603 US-283, Albany, Texas.

We know these times are still difficult due to the COVID-19, but we want you to know the family appreciates your love and support but encourages everyone to remain safe and healthy so please wear your mask at the visitation, Funeral Service at the Church and graveside.

"Grandaddy" lived a strong life of resilience, faith, generosity, love, and courage. He made being strong invincible and broken mended. He walked with the universe on his shoulders and somehow made it look like a cape. He was a pillar of strength in his church, his community, and most of all in his family. He devoted his life to serve and to make a difference in the lives of others. Where there was a need, Grandaddy was there to fulfill it. He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to lead and guide them. He was a very loving grandfather. He was a strong, tough, incredibly proud man to the very end. He is loved and will be missed by many.
On July 25, 2021, God called home one of the best amongst us. He called home a piece of His heaven on earth.

JW entered this world on Nov 25, 1926, in Plano, TX to Paul and Lauretta Whitley Alexander. JW was the third child born to this family of eight children. JW attended school in Plano, TX.

In 1941 he lost his mother and five siblings in a tragic flood in Albany, TX. Soon after, he continued to press forward and fearlessly enlisted in the Army. JW is a respected WWII veteran, Private First Class from 1945-1947 with an honorable discharge. During his time in the military JW lovingly became the father of his first child, Charles McCoy.

JW is a graduate of Tyler Barber College. During this time in Tyler is where he met his wife, Francis Catherine "Sister Baby" Cumby. The two were married on Feb 20, 1949. JW and Francis' union shared 4 children together.

While they resided in Albany, JW worked diligent and ambitiously to support his family. He was a strong leader of his family. While in Albany, he worked many positions for the Jones family, farming, and maintaining their estate, and he also worked as a dedicated volunteer fire fighter for many years. Even as an entrepreneur he was known as the MAN at barbecuing and fish frying. During the annual Fandango he sold plates that everyone loved. Family and friends were huge fans of his great cooking.

In 1986, JW, migrated with his church home and moved his family to Abilene, TX. At Mt. Zion Baptist Church, he eventually established a role as a deacon. JW was a regular member of Abilene Independent School District where he worked various positions for their sports program.

Through JW's amazing years he often gathered his family to meet at his home where he enjoyed sharing his famous cooking skills in his big yard. During those memorable years of countless fish fry's, volleyball games, and being surrounded by plenty family, JW lived some of his greatest and happiest moments where he continued to build and lead his family.

In 2018 JW moved to Dallas with his daughters and son-in-law.

JW leaves to cherish two daughters Candi Dunning (Curnnell) of Dallas and Paula Garner of Abilene. One son: Charles McCoy of Dallas, daughter-in-law, Marsha Alexander of Abilene.

Seven grandchildren: Ray Alexander, Dwayne Dunning(Trixie), Paul Weaver(Dee), Misti Tate, Mellani Royals(Mitchell) Marcus Alexander(Stephanie), and Ashten Alexander(Kejuan) and bonus granddaughter Janeen Robinson(Ray)

Great grandkids: Kierra, Ki'Yauna, Kamora, K'Syn, Nikki(Will) Langston, LaRay(DD) , DJ , Mylles, Myller, Kesthan,David, Christian, Jasmyn, Rochelle, Deasha, Essence, Robert, Chanequal, Jahaziel, Benjamin, Janari, Zavian, Niah, Kevanii, Zylan, Zaraye

Great great grandkids: Paislee, Krai, Kain,Marley, Sarai, KaMari, DSean, Zechariah, Kaylyn, Javon, Jeremiah, Logan, Jashiyah, Braily, De'Leon, Marlie, Asante, Nyana

Host of nieces, nephew, family and friends.

Preceded in death by wife, Francis Cumby. Parents Paul and Laurette Whitley Alexander. Seven siblings Pauline Williams, Claudia Mae Alexander, Eugene Alexander, Emma Lee Alexander, Fred Alexander, H.A. Alexander, and Patsy Alexander. Daughter Jo Alexander, son Rocky Alexander. Son-in-Law Allen Garner. Granddaughters Monique Alexander and Dwan Robinson. Great Granddaughters; Lacy Norman and Mylliah Royals.