Celebrating the life of
Allen L. Alexander, Jr.
January 20, 1921 - July 13, 2009
-Sylva, North Carolina - A. L. Alexander, Jr., 88, died on July 13th. He was a
native of Manassas, GA who lived most of his life in Savannah.
He retired from Union Camp Corporation as a millwright after 37 years of service in 1983. He turned down promotions into management because they would have curtailed his fishing and volunteer work with Boy Scouts. He continued working for the company as a consultant until he was 70.
Mr. Alexander was active in the Boy Scouts for 45 years beginning in 1959. He served as committee chairman and in other capacities with Troops 12, 16 and 38 until 2004. He was also the cooking merit badge counselor in Savannah for many years. He received the Silver Beaver, Scouting's highest volunteer honor. Troop 16, now Troop 12, created the "Mr. A" Award to recognize outstanding boy leaders.
During World War II, he was a truck driver in the 152nd Regiment, 38th Infantry Division, U.S. Army which participated in the campaigns for New Guinea and the Philippines. His personal awards include the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Mr. Alexander was well known as a highly successful fisherman, and also a mechanic for outboard motors and small engines. He was also an avid reader.
He was preceded in death in 1998 by his first wife of 52 years, Virginia Lee Lightsey Alexander. In 2002, he married Sarah Shuman of Pembroke. They lived at her home there until separated by illness in 2007.
Mr. Alexander was the son of the late Allen Lovette Alexander Sr. and Susie Mae Stubbs Alexander.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah Shuman Alexander of Pembroke; son, Fred Alexander of Franklin, NC; and three grandchildren, Brian, Alison, and Jeff Alexander; stepson, William G. Shuman Jr.; and a number of nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his two sisters, Bertha Mae Usher of Savannah and Martha Pharis of Rincon.
Mr. Alexander spent his last two years with his son and daughter-in-law in Franklin, NC. He enjoyed conversations with Saturday morning breakfast buddies, occasional visits to family near Savannah, and riding on the Little Tennessee River in a jon boat.
Visitation: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, July 19, 2009 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2009 in the Hodgson Chapel of Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors with the Reverend Tom Pharis officiating.
Burial: Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park.
Remembrances: Boy Scouts of America, 11900 Abercorn St. Ext., Savannah, GA 31419.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
I first met my Uncle A.L. when he came to 'court' my Aunt Virginia. I thought he was so handsome in his Army uniform. Shorty thereafter, he went off to fight in WWII, in the Hell we call the South Pacific. My Unicle was a true American Hero. He fought for the freedoms we now enjoy. He also became a hero to our family. He was there for us in every crisis that arrouse. When my father died he stepped in and became a rock for me and my mother. He also found time to see that the lives of young Boy Scouts were molded in the right direction. Uncle A.L. wore more many hats and Praise God he wore them all well!!
- Anna Brown, Augusta, GA
Fred, I am sorry to hear the sad news of your Father's passing. The times you spoke of him and the recount of his life, I know he made a profound impact on many people and you will miss him. My prayers are with you. God Bless.
- Jason Martin, Greenville, SC
Fred - I never had the pleasure of meeting your father, but, the apple doesn't usually fall far from the tree. Even without reading about his meaningful life, it's certain that he was a bright, kind and caring person. I admire and respect his life of giving generously to the scouts and others, and, for raising such a fine son. I wish I'd known him, but in many ways, I feel like I do. You've been a good son and I'm glad you were able to have your father nearby these last few years. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim
- Jim Manring, Waynesville, NC
I am so sorry to hear about yall Loss. I know Mrs Sarah, My prayers are put out to you and the family. Mrs. Sarah, you will remember me as Trish from the Jarrell side. God will take care of him and you and the family, stay close to him.
- Patricia Sherrod, Register, GA
I will forever rember you Mr. A. The times in camping in Troop 38, the times with troop 16, and the most meaningful times at your house mostly out back while your working on small engines and while camping at Cuyler hunting club with troop 38. You taught me so much about so many things of which I am forever grateful. The world has lost a great man and will never be the same with you gone.
- Robert Lynn, Clyo, GA
I sure was sad to hear that my Uncle A.L. passed away. I have been away for many years, but think I remember every visit to his and Aunt Virginia's house in Savannah. They always made me feel like I was the most special guest! I have the fondest of memories and love for Uncle A.L. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service and see the family. With much love, Leah
- Leah Cox, Miami Springs, FL
Godspeed, 'Mr. A'. Thank you so much for the memories and good times in the Boy Scouts. You were, and always will be, truly an inspiration to me. Sergeant Tommy Sexton SCMPD Troop 38, BSA
- Thomas E Sexton, Guyton, GA
A L was a special friend. We have missed him the last several years after he moved, but will always have a place in our heart for him as well as Virginia. We love you all. Geneva and Jerry Nichols
- Jerry & Geneva Nichols, Jesup, GA
I met Mr Alexander while a guest at our hospital and wish I could have known him better. What a delightful person. I have known Fred and Alison for some time and they are a tribute to this great man who will be dearly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Sheila Price, Sylva, NC
Fred, I was planning to go to the visitation and had been searching for this funeral home in Franklin before I just realized where it is. It is always a sad occasion to lose our heroes of WWII but I know you will always cherish the memories of such an honorable and great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you carry on his legacy which you know do such as good job of honoring him. Sincerely, Jerry
- Jerry McKinney, Bryson City, NC
I first met my Uncle A.L. when he came to 'court' my Aunt Virginia. I thought he was so handsome in his Army uniform. Shorty thereafter, he went off to fight in WWII, in the Hell we call the South Pacific. My Unicle was a true American Hero. He fought for the freedoms we now enjoy. He also became a hero to our family. He was there for us in every crisis that arrouse. When my father died he stepped in and became a rock for me and my mother. He also found time to see that the lives of young Boy Scouts were molded in the right direction. Uncle A.L. wore more many hats and Praise God he wore them all well!!
- Anna Brown, Augusta, GA
Fred, I am sorry to hear the sad news of your Father's passing. The times you spoke of him and the recount of his life, I know he made a profound impact on many people and you will miss him. My prayers are with you. God Bless.
- Jason Martin, Greenville, SC
Fred - I never had the pleasure of meeting your father, but, the apple doesn't usually fall far from the tree. Even without reading about his meaningful life, it's certain that he was a bright, kind and caring person. I admire and respect his life of giving generously to the scouts and others, and, for raising such a fine son. I wish I'd known him, but in many ways, I feel like I do. You've been a good son and I'm glad you were able to have your father nearby these last few years. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim
- Jim Manring, Waynesville, NC
I am so sorry to hear about yall Loss. I know Mrs Sarah, My prayers are put out to you and the family. Mrs. Sarah, you will remember me as Trish from the Jarrell side. God will take care of him and you and the family, stay close to him.
- Patricia Sherrod, Register, GA
I will forever rember you Mr. A. The times in camping in Troop 38, the times with troop 16, and the most meaningful times at your house mostly out back while your working on small engines and while camping at Cuyler hunting club with troop 38. You taught me so much about so many things of which I am forever grateful. The world has lost a great man and will never be the same with you gone.
- Robert Lynn, Clyo, GA
I sure was sad to hear that my Uncle A.L. passed away. I have been away for many years, but think I remember every visit to his and Aunt Virginia's house in Savannah. They always made me feel like I was the most special guest! I have the fondest of memories and love for Uncle A.L. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service and see the family. With much love, Leah
- Leah Cox, Miami Springs, FL
Godspeed, 'Mr. A'. Thank you so much for the memories and good times in the Boy Scouts. You were, and always will be, truly an inspiration to me. Sergeant Tommy Sexton SCMPD Troop 38, BSA
- Thomas E Sexton, Guyton, GA
A L was a special friend. We have missed him the last several years after he moved, but will always have a place in our heart for him as well as Virginia. We love you all. Geneva and Jerry Nichols
- Jerry & Geneva Nichols, Jesup, GA
I met Mr Alexander while a guest at our hospital and wish I could have known him better. What a delightful person. I have known Fred and Alison for some time and they are a tribute to this great man who will be dearly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Sheila Price, Sylva, NC
Fred, I was planning to go to the visitation and had been searching for this funeral home in Franklin before I just realized where it is. It is always a sad occasion to lose our heroes of WWII but I know you will always cherish the memories of such an honorable and great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you carry on his legacy which you know do such as good job of honoring him. Sincerely, Jerry
- Jerry McKinney, Bryson City, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
