William Alexander, Jr.

ALEXANDER, Jr., William Fields- transportation executive age 75 passed from this life on April 9, 2010 in Nashville, TN. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen Davis Alexander and children William Fields Alexander, III Margaret, Molly Alexander Mahoney Scott and Philip Davis Alexander Shannon.
He is also survived by his sister, Ann Kendall Alexander Fosythe Donald. Mr. Alexander was preceded in death by his mother, Irene McBane Alexander and his father, William Fields Alexander, Sr. He was born in Lawrenceburg, TN on July 24, 1934. A man of true Christian belief, he was member of the First Methodist Church in Lawrenceburg. Growing up, he attended Lawrence County public schools and is a graduate of Columbia Military Academy CMA. Furthering his education, he graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and the ROTC. Upon leaving the University of Tennessee he honorably served his country as a Specialist in the United States Army. After completion of his military service in 1959, he began his career in the transportation industry with Super Service Motor Freight. During his 40 year career in the transportation industry, he worked as a transportation executive with Time Inc. and Roadway Express. He also served as President and Principal of Goggin Truck Line in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and S & W Freight in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. After selling his interest in both truck lines, he finished his distinguished career with Humboldt Express in Nashville, Tennessee. He held membership in numerous trade associations including, Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fraternity, Nashville Traffic and Transportation Club, and Rotary International. An avid historian and genealogist, he held membership in the Tennessee Historical Society and the Lawrence County, Williamson County, and Bedford County Historical Societies. He was a charter member of the Lawrence County, Williamson County, and Rutherford County Chapters of the Sons of American Revolution SAR. He was a member of Clan MacBean and of the Alexander Scottish Sept. He was one of the founders of the Alexander Family Genealogical Society. He was also recognized as a Tennessee Colonel and a Tennessee Squire.
Mr. Alexander also held membership in many esteemed civic and military organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation – Board Member, the American Legion, and he was a lifelong member and supporter of the Republican Party. An expert in the field of antiques, his interest included early Tennessee period pieces and Coca-Cola memorabilia. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also an avid supporter of UT Athletics. He was the devoted and doting grandfather of Elizabeth Burns Alexander, Davis McBane Alexander, Katherine Davis Alexander, Helen Louise Alexander, Alexander Colleen Mahoney, William Sean Mahoney, Mary Katherine Mahoney, Megan McBane Mahoney, Henry Fields Alexander, Margaret MacBean Alexander, William Keller Alexander, Patrick Cleburne Alexander, Mary MacAlister Alexander, and Bernadette Blue Alexander. He leaves behind many relatives, friends, and loved ones. Pallbearers include, in his words, "my super, great, loving, caring nephews". Honorary Pallbearers: Roy R. Manning, Jr., Robert T. Davis, Alphonse H. Davis, Frank P. Davis, Joe Parkes, Billy Joe Graves, Phil Usher, Frank Johns, Robert L. Smith, Philip Parsley, Bennie Stevens, C. W. Dooley, Jr., Carroll Cagle, Pat Sharbel, Tommy Cook, Reed Nicholson, Jim Gilmore, Dr. Virgil H. Crowder, Jr., Dennis Britt, and David White Dortch. Services will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at St. Henry Church, 6401 Harding Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37205. Visitation 10:00 am–12:00 noon with service to follow
In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to Overbrook School of the Dominican Campus or the American Diabetes Association.
HARPETH HILLS FUNERAL HOME, 9090 HWY 100, 646-9292 www.harpethhills.com.