John Thomas Alexander Sr. “Tom”, 82, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, February 18, 2024, following a brief illness.
He was born in Lauderdale County, Alabama in 1941 to James Price Alexander and Elizabeth Phillips Alexander. Tom attended Lauderdale County High School before joining the Navy briefly. He worked for Reynolds Alloys for 20 years before going to work for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company where he retired after almost 20 years. He refereed basketball for four decades, umpired baseball and softball across the state of Alabama for 38 years and served as the State Umpire in Chief for Alabama Dixie Boys-Majors for another 12 years.
Tom was an active member of East Colbert Church of Christ, where he worshiped for 62 years. He served as a deacon and a member of the benevolence committee. Tom served as a member of the fish fry committee and contributed to raising funds for mission work such as furthering the kingdom of Christ and spreading the gospel in Mexico.
He was a kind-hearted man with an infectious, mischievous smile, and a big, joyous personality. He loved collecting and fixing up lawnmowers, going fishing, and loving on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved Colbert County football almost a much as he loved the Alabama Crimson Tide.
He had a servant’s heart and a stubborn soul. Tom never knew a stranger, but warmly welcomed new faces, never hesitating to offer a helping hand to those in need. He was as humble as he was stubborn, never desiring credit or acknowledgment for his generous deeds, and refused to be put on a pedestal. He was often a father to the fatherless, and grandfather to the grandfatherless. He was a hard worker, willing to do what needed to be done, stepping into many roles for many people.
He will be deeply missed, and his memory cherished. Though we know and take joy and comfort in where Tom is, we grieve because we know where he is not–with us.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Price Alexander; mother, Elizabeth Phillips Alexander; and brother, William Byron Alexander. He is survived by his wife, Norma Osborn Alexander; son, John Thomas Alexander Jr. (Tamara); daughter, Sharon Alexander Fuller (Don); grandchildren, John Price Alexander (Serrah), Annabeth Alexander Mask (Caleb), Addison Grace Fuller, Caleb Paul Fuller, Braden Hayes Fuller, Marybrooke Nicole Alexander; great-grandchildren, Josie Blair Mask, Beckham Lane Mask; brother, Phillip Alexander (Kay); sisters, Lavera White (Reeder, deceased), Sue Cobb (Edwin, deceased), Jimmie Doris Davis (Bobby), Carolyn Davis (Gerald, deceased), and extended family.
Visitation is Friday, February 23, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Colbert Memorial, with service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Donations to the benevolence fund at East Colbert Church of Christ in Tom’s honor would be greatly appreciated.
You may sign the online registry at www.colbertmemorial.com.