Robert Charles Alexander

On, January 1, 2014 Robert Charles Alexander died peacefully due to complications associated with diabetes. Even though his physical health had declined in recent years, his mind remained sharp as did his wit and unique sense of humor. He always enjoyed visiting wih family and friends and he never lost his interest in current affairs, reading and working the daily crossword puzzle. Robert was born in Paragould on September 23, 1930 to James Wiltz and Evelyn Montgomery Alexander. In 1956, he married Marilyn Stowers, the love of his life and wife for over 50 years. They were the devoted parents of three children, Wiltz, Adrianne, and Bill and loving grandparents to their seven grandchildren. Robert was a lifelong resident of Paragould and was a member of First Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School to teenaged boys for several years. From 1944-1947 he attended Western Military School in Alton, Illinois. He graduated from Paragould High School in 1948 and from the University of Arkansas in 1951. Robert was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at the U of A. From 1952-1954, Robert served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves as a First Lieutenant in the Korean War. Robert was an inventor, an artist and an avid musician. He was also a world traveler and he and his wife, Marilyn, enjoyed many exciting trips with their good friends and family. Robert was active in his community and was a former President of the Paragould Rotary Club. He was a philanthropist who supported many local and state institutions and charities with First Baptist Church, Dale Bumpers School of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas, the Greene County Library, Chateau on the Ridge, and the Nature Conservancy being some of his favorites. Robert owned and managed the Alexander Plantation Company for many years and also was owner of ALCO, a local grain elevator and seed company. He was a forward thinking and conscientious steward of his land who always kept up with new and innovative farming techniques. He truly loved the land and passed this passion on to his children. He was an astute businessman and investor. Preceded in death by his parents James Wiltz “Jimmy” Alexander and Evelyn Montgomery Alexander, his wife, Marilyn and his sister, Ann Alexander Hamilton, Robert is survived by his three children: James Wiltz Alexander of Dallas, TX, Adrianne Alexander Hays and her husband, Woody of Marietta, Georgia, and Bill Alexander and his wife, Allison of Searcy, AR. He also leaves behind his seven grandchildren: Emily, Will, Christopher and Ellen Hays and Bob, Sally and Jimmy Alexander. Robert was blessed to have Christine Deeson, Ellen Sorg and Debbie Jones as devoted caregivers and the family is most appreciative of the care and support they provided him. He was also blessed with a host of friends who faithfully visited him when he no longer could leave his home. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Heath Funeral Home. His life will be celebrated at 1:00 PM Monday at First Baptist Church with Reverend Bill Steeger officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Bob Alexander, Jimmy Alexander, Wade Hamilton, Christopher Hays, Will Hays and Woody Hays. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 300 Poplar, Paragould, AR 72450. Sign online registry at www.heathfuneralhome.com.