Obituary: Johnny Alexander

He was born Ocoe 14, 1939, in Pell City, Alabama. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating from Pell City High School in 1958. He served for four years as an airplane mechanic on the USS Independence aircraft carrier. The most important part of his military service, however, was that he was stationed in Sanford, Florida, where he would meet his future soulmate. On July 21, 1961, he married Carolyn Scott.

Johnny is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 52 years; two children, daughter Kimberly (Michael) McClane and son Heath (Dacia) Alexander; five granddaughters, Kaleigh, Krysta, Auden, Marlowe and Veda; one great-granddaughter, Lilly; one sister, Frankye Ann Crowder; as well as several beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, good friends and his chocolate lab, Olive. 

Johnny started his professional life as a butcher but, after several years, decided to try his hand at being a small-business owner. With a partner, he opened a Snapper Turtle lawnmower franchise. He poured a lot into this endeavor, but unfortunately it could not support his young family, so after a five-year run he closed the shop. He returned to work as a butcher, joining the Walt Disney Company in 1977, where he retired from in 2003 after 25 years of service.  

He was active in the community, including service in the Jaycees Club, Pop Warner Football and Ocoee Little League, and he was most engaged as a longtime member (and president) of the Ocoee Lions Club. 

For many years a highlight of his day was the standing 1 p.m. “tea time” with friends at the Ocoee Café. He enjoyed bowling, reading western-themed novels, spoiling his gaggle of granddaughters, taking Olive for walks around the block and relaxing on his screened porch. 

A quiet, simple man whose calm and, oftentimes, stoic countenance belied the deep, caring and loving acceptance that thrived in his warm heart. He didn’t say very much, but it was not due to inattention or indifference, so when he did say something, the chances are it was important, profound or, often, hilarious.

John’s Celebration of Life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2015, at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, with a reception following from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. at the Ocoee Oaks Methodist Church. 

To help enhance the celebratory nature of this event and of Johnny’s life, please feel free to wear colors of any hue, brightness or shade and not be constrained to the traditional grays and blacks.   

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in his name.