Gilbert Lee Alexander, 76, of Athens, Al. passed from this life on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at his residence. Mr. Alexander was born in Walker County, Al. on September 5, 1938.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Bessie Alexander (Cordova, Al.). He is survived by his wife, Paula (Plyler) Alexander ; sons, Lane Alexander (wife Cheryl) and Bryan Alexander (wife Timmi); daughter Crystal Sexton (husband Tony); nine grandchildren: Brandon Alexander, Daniel Alexander, Emily Sexton, Katie Sexton and Allie Sexton, Elizabeth Alexander, Landon Alexander, Caroline Alexander and Harrison Alexander. He is also survived by his four brothers, Lowell Alexander (of Athens), Charles Alexander (of Advance, North Carolina), Carl Alexander (of Athens) and Herbert Alexander (of Toney) and his sister, Mary (Alexander) Humphries (of Nauvoo, Al).
Mr. Alexander was a 1956 graduate of Cordova High School in Cordova, Al. He graduated from Freed-Hardeman College and Athens State College, earning his bachelor’s degree in English and beginning his career in education teaching primarily English and Literature. He taught for two years at Madison County Bible School (Madison Academy) and then six years at Athens Bible School. He returned to Walker County in 1966 to teach at Cordova High School, where he taught for 27 years. He retired from the Walker County School System in 1993, and was honored as Teacher of the Year by the Daily Mountain Eagle. In 1997, Mr. Alexander returned to Limestone County, teaching for one more year at Athens Bible School.
Even before he began his career as a school teacher, Mr. Alexander had already begun his most important work, being a preacher of the gospel of Christ. His preaching career spanned 57 years, starting before he had graduated college. He began preaching full time in Madison County at the Harvest church of Christ. He preached at the Oakland and Valley View churches of Christ in Limestone County before returning to Walker County in 1966. He preached at the North Jasper church of Christ for approximately 21 years. During the time he lived in Walker County he also spent time preaching in Jefferson County at the Southwest and Graysville churches of Christ, and in Fayette County at the Glen Allen church of Christ. Mr. Alexander returned to Limestone County in 1997, preaching at the Beulah and Valley View churches of Christ.
Mr. Alexander served as an elder at the North Jasper church of Christ for seven years. He finished his life’s work serving as an elder at the Southside Church of Christ in Athens, Al.
With his life dedicated to teaching the gospel, his work included many years of a daily radio program in Walker County. This work also included writing religious articles and publishing church bulletins. For many years he wrote a column, “God Has Spoken”, published in the Athens News Courier. His love of worshipping God in song coupled with his devotion to preaching led him to conduct gospel meetings and singing schools in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Maine. He assisted in the R.J. Stevens Singing School in Wilburton, Oklahoma and was a Bible teacher and song leading instructor at Rustic Youth Camp in Russellville, Al for nearly 20 years. He conducted singing classes in his home for adults and for home-schooled children.
With a background in English and Literature, and a love for music, Mr. Alexander was an accomplished poet and hymn writer. He wrote many poems for his wife and family. Later in life he began writing hymns for use in worshipping God. Four of the hymns used in his funeral are his compositions. Having grown up on a farm in Walker County, he never lost his love for gardening and tending cattle. He spent many years keeping a small herd of cows, raising them for beef and for sale at market. An avid gardener, Mr. Alexander enjoyed tending garden and especially enjoyed growing sweet potatoes, giving away many of them to friends.
Gilbert Lee Alexander was a husband, father, preacher, teacher, farmer, poet and hymn writer, and most importantly, a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mr. Alexander will be laid to rest in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at Limestone Chapel Funeral home in Athens, Alabama. Visitation will be held Friday, March 13 from 6-9 PM. Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 AM.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Alexander, Daniel Alexander, Lance Alexander, Justin Thomas, Lonell Plyler, Ryan Alexander and Landon Alexander, all grandchildren or nephews. Honorary pallbearers are the men of the Southside church of Christ in Athens, Alabama.
The Alexander Family is extremely grateful for the exemplary kind and caring services of the volunteers and medical personnel of Hospice of Limestone County. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to: Hospice of Limestone County, 405 S Marion St, Athens, AL 35611.
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