Obituary
Guest Book
1926
2012
Willard James Alexander Sr., 85, of Malvern, AR and formerly of Alma, AR, passed away July 4, 2012, under the care of the V.A. Hospice in Little Rock . He was born August 10, 1926 in Cass City, MI to Nicholas and Alice Kretchmer Alexander. He served 2 years in the U.S. Navy with the Seabees and Navy Seals and then served 28 years in the U.S. Army. During his military career he served in WWII, the Korean Conflict, and Viet Nam.
Upon his military retirement he worked for the Arkansas Employment Security Division, was a Juvenile Probation Officer for Crawford County/Van Buren, AR; was a Veterans Service Officer for the D.A.V.; and served as Director of Personnel for the Intergovernmental Committee of European Migration-Fort Chaffee/Fort Smith, AR.
After he retired in 1973 he resided in Alma for 28 years and then moved to Malvern in 2001.
Our father was a God fearing Christian man, a living legend, and a true patriot. Going out with a bang, he passed on July 4, 2012.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, JoAnn Gann Alexander of Malvern, AR, four daughters, Suzanne Makowski and her husband Elmer, of Ruth, MI; Julie Brumley and her husband Terry, of Hernando, MS; Janine Alexander Bilyeu of Riviera Beach, FL; and Joyce Alexander Bach and her husband Curtis, of Malvern, AR; ten grandchildren, Paul, James, Ron, and Melissa Makowski, Alexander, Elijah, and Alicia Brumley, Amanda Alexander, Chase and Autumn Bilyeu. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Cody Hutchinson, Matthew and Grace Makowski, Mia Fererra, and Kaiya and Alexis Brumley.
Graveside service with Full Military Honors will be 1:00 P.M. Monday, July 9, 2012 at Fort Smith National Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 8, 2012, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
July 9, 2012
John Tribulak
Dear JoAnn and Family:
One's sadness at this very difficult time is softened by the Blessed Assurance that Bill is in the prepared place of which Christ Jesus spoke of in John 14:2-3.
May God continue to comfort and strengthen all of you.
Love and special thoughts to you always,
John
July 8, 2012
Gary O'Brien
Dear JoAnn and Girls, I'm so very sorry to hear that Bill has passed. He was a father figure and inspiration to me. I remember him as a passionate man who could never give enough of himself to his friends and loved ones. Those, who had the priviledge to know him well, are truly richer. His strength, courage, and determination in life and faith are the things I remember most about him. Even though it has been years since I last saw Bill, his lessons to me have not nor will they ever be forgotten. All my love, Gary
July 7, 2012
Pat Draper
Dear Joann, We are so sorry to hear that Brother Bill has passed away. our lives are so much more richer, from having known him. Please know we are praying for you and your family. If we can do anything please don't hesitate to ask.
Your Brother and Sisters
in CHRIST,Harold&Pam
Hardin
July 7, 2012
Vernon Maupin
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (Psalm 116:15). You are now in heaven, Bill, and we will see you soon in your immortal eternal 30-something body. Meanwhile, we miss you lots!
July 7, 2012
Shannon Dillard
It was my honor to be your banker for so many years. I will never forget your giving heart and sweet smile. Jo Ann may you feel the love of God through your time of loss.
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