Carl Donald Alexander, Sr., adored by all who knew him, left this world for his eternal home on October 17, 2022. He fully lived every day of his 95 years.
A friend to all and enemy to none, Carl was born in the middle of a thunderstorm on July 30, 1927 to Elmer Joshua and Opal Chilcote Alexander in Clayton, N.M., but lived most of his childhood at Alexander Springs in Ethridge, TN. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty Boston on April 23, 1950 and enjoyed their life together in Lawrenceburg for 72 years. Carl is survived by Betty, their three children, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is survived by son, Don (Kaneal) Alexander of McMinnville, TN and their two children, Ryan (Jillian and son Jensen) Alexander and Kristina (Matt) Lancaster; daughter, Jan (Steve) Meek of Franklin, TN and their three children, Daniel (Lindsay and their two children, Savannah and Sawyer) Meek, Sara (Troy and their three children, Parker, Knox and Boston) Fricke and David (Katie and their two children, Hollis and Lillie) Meek; and son, Jack Alexander of Franklin, TN. He is also survived by church, Murray, golf and community family that will all miss his love and laughter.
Upon his High School graduation, Carl joined the U.S. Navy but had to wait until his 18th birthday to report for duty. After two years World War II ended, and he was released. When the Korean War started, he went back into the Navy for two more years. Upon his release, he and his wife, Betty, along with their newborn son, Don, returned to Lawrenceburg and First Street Church of Christ.
After a short time, the elders of First Street asked Carl to teach the High School Bible Class. He tirelessly taught many classes for over 60 years including the Young Married Couples Class, Middle-Aged Members Class, and the Older Members Class. He always said, “The teacher had to study much harder than the students.”
In addition to his love of teaching the Bible, Carl grew beautiful roses which Betty arranged, and Carl delivered to a variety of people in Lawrenceburg, as well as often furnishing roses to nursing homes, Church, community events and weddings. It was their successful mission to bring joy to others through their flowers.
Carl was also active in community service, being a Charter Member of the JayCees and holding offices in the Lions Club, Band Boosters Club and Murray Ohio Retirees Association, as well as being Chairman of the Library Board. After retiring from his job at Murray Ohio, a company he loved, in 1985, Carl was instrumental in establishing Leadership Lawrenceburg, working with it for five years and in 1992 was awarded Citizen of the Year by the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid golfer and was the Lawrenceburg Country Club’s oldest active member when he played his last round in 2019 at the age of 92.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Thursday, October 20, 2022, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 1:00 PM Thursday, October 20, 2022. Interment will follow at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.
