Jayne Catherine (Cathie) Alexander, aged 79, passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021 at St. Thomas hospital in Nashville surrounded by her loving sons and daughter-in-law. Cathie was born in Duval County (Jacksonville) Florida on May 23, 1942 to the late Henry B. and Jayne F. Cordes. Cathie grew up in Florida. Her father was an executive for Southern Bell and her brother, Henry B. Cordes II, was a senior engineer for that company and is a widely recognized telecommunications expert. In June of 1960, Cathie married Larry Walter Alexander. Their marriage lasted 61 years until Larry’s passing in March of 2021.
Larry was an avid motorcycle and automobile enthusiast. In 1969, Cathie helped Larry create the successful Suzuki of Sarasota motorcycle dealership. Cathie shared Larry’s passion for riding and motor racing. She frequently rode with Larry and particularly enjoyed motorcycle touring as well as being with Larry when he participated in off road enduros. Larry and Cathie also attended many motorcycle and car races. Over the years, they got to know many well-known people in those sports to include motorcycle racers Malcom Smith and “Fast Freddie” Spencer as well as NASCAR great Richard Petty.
Cathie shared Larry’s passion for stock car drag racing. Larry was a successful drag racer and a NHRA record holder for six years. At one race, when Larry was unable to drive his car, Cathie substituted for him as driver. Her opponent, apparently made nervous by an unknown female driver in the lane next to him, jumped the start and handed the win to Cathie. After that, Cathie retired from drag racing as an undefeated driver.
Larry and Cathie moved to Winchester in 2006. They both loved living in this area and have been loyal members of the Franklin County Country Club and the local Honda Gold Wing riders association. Cathie has been an active member of the Southern Tennessee Ladies Association and worked to support many of their charity events.
Cathie is survived by sons Robbie Alexander of Northport, Florida, and Raymond Alexander (Claire) of Bradenton, Florida, as well as grandchildren Jessica, Bobby, Melvin, Raymond, and Jakob. She is additionally survived by eight great grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Moore-Cortner funeral home in Winchester at noon on Thursday, April 15. The funeral service will be a 2 PM with a reception to follow at Moore-Cortner. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Southern Tennessee Ladies Association (STLS) Scholarship Fund Foundation, P. O. Box 601, Winchester, TN 37398.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)967-2222
