Bobby W Alexander

Services celebrating the life of Mr. Bobby W Alexander will begin at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Reverends Lynne Joyner and David Chandler officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Alexander, 80, of Meridian, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family members.

After he received his GED, He entered the Air Force in February 1961. During this time, he fell in love with a young lady by the name of Patty Elkins. They married in January 1962. Soon they were stationed at Webb AFB, Big Springs, TX. This is where Debora, Renne, and Patricia were born. He was honorably discharged in February 1965 having he rank of A2C-E3 as ACFT (Aircraft Flight Technician).

From there he enlisted into the US Army Reserve in Nov 1965 where he was stationed at Fort Hood, Killeen, TX. He was honorably discharged in January 1967.

In May of 1967, he enlisted in the US Navy, and soon after the 4th daughter, Deneice, was born. They were transferred to Moffett Field, San Diego, CA. He made three tours to Cam Ranah Bay and Vietnam Flying with a long-lived Patrol Squadron VP-50 (01/16/1960), also known as the Blue Dragons. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal (second 5/15/1971, Good Conduct Award (First) 4/10/71, Meritorious Unit commendation 11/22/1940, and Vietnam Service Medal 01/16/1970.

In April 1972, He was transferred to NAS, Meridian, MS where he pursued his military, ministry, and family life. In February 1976, he was licensed to preach through the United Methodist Church, having been ordained to the Ministry of the Gospel of Christ in the Baptist Church in April 1975.

In May 1976, Bon was transferred to Naval Sation, Norfolk, VA. Here he was stationed aboard the Navy Ship USS Piedmont AD17, Tender Distorter. He served as Navy Human Resource Management Specialist and the ship's Chaplain during this time. He was injured while aboard the ship, and the process was started for a medical discharge. The family returned to Meridian, in December of 1976. On February 4, 1977, he was honorably discharged from the Navy, rank being ADJ1- E6.  He received the National Defense Service Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. In December 1977, the 5th daughter was born, Shelia.

In 1978, Bob started preaching with the United Methodist Church. He attended Memphis Theological Seminary graduating in 1979 with a degree in Theology. One of his very first assignments was Pleasant Grove UMC, along with Antioch, Pleasant Ridge, and Bethel UMC. In 1980, he graduated with his Associate of Arts from Mississippi State University.

In 1983, Marion auto Service was born. In 1995 Bob retired and moved to Olive Branch, MS. He enjoyed his family and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2019 he ad mom moved back to Meridian, MS.

Mr. Alexander is survived by his wife of 61 years; Patty Alexander; children Sherry Renee Alexander Homan (Jeff L.), Patricia Annette Alexander (Vicki Vogel), Deniece Jewell Alexander Benton (Tommy D.), and Shelia Lee Alexander White (Eddie). Grandchildren, Ruth Ann Vogel, Donna K. Vogel Reeves (Cord), Loretta Lynn Todd (Drew), Corey Lee Homan, Steven N Benton (Callie), Shawnna Lynn Weems (Devon), and Autumn Michelle Dean. Twelve Great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Siblings, Judy Braswell, Roger N Alexander, Vicky L McQuiston, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Mr. Bobby is preceded in death by his daughter Debra K Alexander; and his parents, Cleo and Myrtis Alexander.

The Alexander Family suggests memorials be made as donations to The Shriner’s Hospital in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.