Obituary for Thomas Richard Alexander
Thomas Richard Alexander, known to family and friends as “TA” also known as, “Pig” , a childhood nickname given by his mother; transitioned life on May 2, 2019, at the age of 85 years old. It is with great sadness that this announcement is being made.
Thomas was at home in Toledo, Ohio, when he made a peaceful transition in his sleep following a brief of illness. “TA” will be lovingly and forever remembered by his family and numerous friend.Thomas was born in Ripley Tennessee on July 8, 1933, to James “JW” Washington Alexander and Charlie Mae Parker-Fields.
Thomas attended Lauderdale High School in Ripley, Tennessee, after this, he gained specialized training at Davis Business College. He was employed at Unicast-Midland Ross Corporation, as a Supervisor, he maintained twenty years of employment, he was also employed by Roadway Express Inc. He later started his own business and was self-employed sealing blacktop.
Thomas enlisted in the Army 1953, and was assigned as a Paratrooper, he loved his country and being a Veteran of the United States Army.
Thomas had a beautiful voice, and was the only surviving member of the original Pilgrim Wonders Gospel Group. He traveled the country singing and praising God, to packed audiences, the group produced and recorded several albums. In later years, he became a founding member of the group Soul Seekers, this group also produced songs and recorded the popular album “All You Need”.
He had been a member of Phillips Temple and later joined Jerusalem Baptist Church, however, attended St. Stevens Church of God over the past couple of years.
Thomas loved to travel. He liked sports, especially Cleveland teams, but fishing and boating were his most favorite, along with camping.
He was a dedicated volunteer in the community, specifically with helping those suffering from alcoholism and addiction. Thomas enjoyed working one on one, with people who had lost hope in life.
Thomas was married twice, first to Freddie Mae Alexander (deceased), to this union nine children were born; second, to Lois Alexander, one son, Shirley Thomas El, bore one son, and Delores Foreman, bore one son, he also cherished her other son as his own.
He was predeceased by sister Ruth Pope.
He will be remembered fondly and gratefully by children, Deborah R. Alexander, Teresa A. Jenkins, Sandra Y. Alexander (deceased) Darla M. Alexander, Tony (Jackie)Thomas, Richard D. Alexander, Andrea R. (Robert) Ramsey, Reginald B. Alexander, Richard Alexander, Durand D. Alexander, Derrick L. Alexander, and Rayshan T. Alexander; cherished brother, Leon Foreman; sisters, Dorothy, (Leonard) Dunn, Edna (Larry) Manns, Mattie M. Fields, and Allie M. Fields; special daughter, Kayla D. McCadney; special grandson and caregiver, Avery Alexander, grandchildren, special granddaughter and son caretaker(s), Tiwana L. Chambers (Clinton Calvin), James L. Alexander, Aishadia Alexander, Trevez Arnold, Tifffany Arnold, Antoinette Simmons, Charlemagne Stallings, Romeo Alexander (deceased), Trevor Alexander, Reginald B. Alexander, Antoinette Simmons, Brittney Moorehead, Alexandrea Ramsey, Ivan L. Thomas, Aaliyah L. Thomas, Alexis L. Nemorin (Ivan), Brittney Williams, Richard Hicks, Kendell Alexander, Jamire Smith, Ry’oin D. Alexander, Akilah Alexander, Sovereign D. Alexander, Delana D. Alexander; uncle, Leon (Sallie) Helm; special friend, Michelle; a host of first cousins of whom he admired as siblings and he loved each unconditionally, and numerous nieces and nephews, of whom will greatly miss him.
Thomas was at home in Toledo, Ohio, when he made a peaceful transition in his sleep following a brief of illness. “TA” will be lovingly and forever remembered by his family and numerous friend.Thomas was born in Ripley Tennessee on July 8, 1933, to James “JW” Washington Alexander and Charlie Mae Parker-Fields.
Thomas attended Lauderdale High School in Ripley, Tennessee, after this, he gained specialized training at Davis Business College. He was employed at Unicast-Midland Ross Corporation, as a Supervisor, he maintained twenty years of employment, he was also employed by Roadway Express Inc. He later started his own business and was self-employed sealing blacktop.
Thomas enlisted in the Army 1953, and was assigned as a Paratrooper, he loved his country and being a Veteran of the United States Army.
Thomas had a beautiful voice, and was the only surviving member of the original Pilgrim Wonders Gospel Group. He traveled the country singing and praising God, to packed audiences, the group produced and recorded several albums. In later years, he became a founding member of the group Soul Seekers, this group also produced songs and recorded the popular album “All You Need”.
He had been a member of Phillips Temple and later joined Jerusalem Baptist Church, however, attended St. Stevens Church of God over the past couple of years.
Thomas loved to travel. He liked sports, especially Cleveland teams, but fishing and boating were his most favorite, along with camping.
He was a dedicated volunteer in the community, specifically with helping those suffering from alcoholism and addiction. Thomas enjoyed working one on one, with people who had lost hope in life.
Thomas was married twice, first to Freddie Mae Alexander (deceased), to this union nine children were born; second, to Lois Alexander, one son, Shirley Thomas El, bore one son, and Delores Foreman, bore one son, he also cherished her other son as his own.
He was predeceased by sister Ruth Pope.
He will be remembered fondly and gratefully by children, Deborah R. Alexander, Teresa A. Jenkins, Sandra Y. Alexander (deceased) Darla M. Alexander, Tony (Jackie)Thomas, Richard D. Alexander, Andrea R. (Robert) Ramsey, Reginald B. Alexander, Richard Alexander, Durand D. Alexander, Derrick L. Alexander, and Rayshan T. Alexander; cherished brother, Leon Foreman; sisters, Dorothy, (Leonard) Dunn, Edna (Larry) Manns, Mattie M. Fields, and Allie M. Fields; special daughter, Kayla D. McCadney; special grandson and caregiver, Avery Alexander, grandchildren, special granddaughter and son caretaker(s), Tiwana L. Chambers (Clinton Calvin), James L. Alexander, Aishadia Alexander, Trevez Arnold, Tifffany Arnold, Antoinette Simmons, Charlemagne Stallings, Romeo Alexander (deceased), Trevor Alexander, Reginald B. Alexander, Antoinette Simmons, Brittney Moorehead, Alexandrea Ramsey, Ivan L. Thomas, Aaliyah L. Thomas, Alexis L. Nemorin (Ivan), Brittney Williams, Richard Hicks, Kendell Alexander, Jamire Smith, Ry’oin D. Alexander, Akilah Alexander, Sovereign D. Alexander, Delana D. Alexander; uncle, Leon (Sallie) Helm; special friend, Michelle; a host of first cousins of whom he admired as siblings and he loved each unconditionally, and numerous nieces and nephews, of whom will greatly miss him.