Ernest Leon Alexander, age 82, of Killen, passed from this life August 18, 2009 at his home with his loving family by his side.
The funeral service will be at 3 pm today at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ with Stan Dean and Daniel Gaines officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 12pm until 2 pm today with the service following at 3 pm.
Leon was a veteran of World War II, serving with the United States Navy in the Pacific Theatre aboard the Destroyer USS Borie.
He was a graduate of Lauderdale County High School Class of 1947 and was a Master Electrician. He worked with Jones Electric Co. and TVA Brown''s Ferry. He received his 60 year service award from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 2009. He was active in the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ as an Elder, Deacon, and longtime Sunday School Teacher. His service to others in the community was well known. To call on "Lee" was always welcomed.
Leon adored his children, grandchildren, and little Blake. He enjoyed fishing, often traveling to Florida where he and friends still hold a record for speckled trout. He was an avid Alabama Football Fan and enjoyed traveling to games in his earlier years. Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Eugene and Myrtle Comer Alexander; brothers, Billy Collins Alexander and Paul Dennis Alexander; and his sister, Janice Rose Alexander.
Leon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth Elaine Tays Alexander; children, Emily Lanette Alexander Suggs (William C.) and Joel Leon Alexander (Joyce Holden); Grandchildren, Natasha Suggs Bryant (Lt. Col. Harley Bryant III), Christopher Suggs, Aaron Alexander, and Andrew Alexander; a loving great grandson, Aaron Blake Alexander; and with great expectation this month of August, a great granddaughter, Ava Katherine Bryant; a very special aunt, Mrs. Laverne Comer Tate; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and friends from coast to coast.
Pallbearers will be Aaron Alexander, Andrew Alexander, Christopher Suggs, Lt. Col. Harley B. Bryant III, Gregory Alexander, and Dennis Alexander.
Honorary pallbearers will be Phillip Tays, Don Tays, John Link, Almon Watson, Milton Yancey, Harris Clemmons, Will Cole, and Sidney Robinson.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Alacare Home Health Care and Hospice, especially Wendy Wear RN, Jennifer Iles RN, Vanessa McDaniel, and Chaplain Rod Stansky.
Please consider memorials to the Alzheimer''s Memorial Program, P. O. Box 1608, Florence, AL 35631.
You are invited to sign the online register book at www.elkinsfh.com.
Elkins East Chapel is assisting the family.