Tributes

Billy Gene Alexander (79) born on December 19, 1944, first-born son to Henry Alexander, Jr. and wife Mary Frances, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 25, 2024. Billy was born in San Antonio and spent his entire life living in Texas, mostly in San Antonio. Although his youth was met with many challenges, God sent multiple people to guide and encourage him along the way, such as, Walter Belino who drove across town to pick-up he and his beloved sister Peggy to take them to church on Sundays. Billy credits Walter for introducing him to Christ. God also sent Coach Jimmy Littleton, who started encouraging him to play basketball in middle school. In high school, coach Littleton served as the father figure he needed, teaching him discipline, hard work, commitment, and determination. As a freshman, he and his teammates won the 1960-61 Texas State Championship in basketball. A gifted athlete, he and his teammates also made it to the state finals the following three years. He received ten scholarship offers to play basketball in college but was reluctant to do so. Coach Littleton again encouraged him to continue his education. He attributes God and Coach for changing his trajectory in life and the ripple effect continues. Throughout his life his beloved mom, Mary Frances, was a hero to him as she worked and sacrificed to help him and his siblings survive extremely difficult times. He was very fond of her and held her in such high esteem for her courage under pressure and determination in the face of overwhelming circumstances. The lessons he learned from these central figures would shape his life. He understood what it meant to live without, as well as the grit and determination to meet those challenges head-on without backing up, and the love and salvation he found in Christ that became his ever-increasing foundation to guide him throughout his life. He met Sharon Ann Wright while working for Handy Andy in high school. The two were married for 38 years and were quite a team together; he always said she was the most beautiful woman he ever saw. After completing his junior year in college, he elected to briefly stop his education and pursue full time employment to support his family. Billy and Sharon had two sons, Matthew Wright Alexander, and Nathaniel Wesley Alexander. In 1974, Billy joined the San Antonio Fire Department. He started as a fire fighter, then served as an EMT/paramedic for about 7 years, and then completed his career as a firefighter achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He truly loved working and serving the community as a fireman and the lifelong friendships he made with his co-workers. In the fire department he developed a love for cooking, and man could he cook! He was a scratch cook with an out of this world apple pie, BBQ brisket that would delight all at family gatherings, and beef enchiladas, his most requested meal, that would rival any restaurant, just to name a few. In many ways, cooking was his ministry, a way to bring family and friends together for fellowship. In 1989, he completed his college education, earning a BA from UTSA. He was also an amateur body builder and spent a considerable amount of time studying how the body worked, how to strengthen it, and how to protect it. He was also a professional DIY’er. There was almost nothing he wouldn’t tackle, always saying “a dollar saved is a dollar earned.” He was focused on being conservative with his money for he knew the pain of living in lack and the importance of saving for the future and a rainy day. Conversely, he was empathetic toward those with legitimate needs, and he looked for opportunities to help those that were struggling with life circumstances. For life had taught him to be empathetic towards others, both strangers and family alike. At the same time, he did not have much patience for nonsense, nor did he tolerate laziness. He knew what he stood for and was not afraid to take a stand when needed. Oh, how he will be missed for his character, wisdom, and friendship. He had an incredible work ethic, which he did his best to teach to his children and grandchildren. He was truly an awesome Dad and Grandpa! He was strong, tough, and tender as he endeavored to teach his children and their children the lessons life had taught him, and the principles of God’s word. He was a bible scholar, a gifted storyteller, and a jokester deluxe. Billy loved to have fun with his family and friends! He relished the opportunity to teach the bible, challenge his children and grandchildren with bible trivia, relay fireman stories, and tell jokes. He had the unique ability to draw you in with a story or joke and bring you to the edge of your seat with anticipation to hear the end. Even though we had heard the same tale or joke many times, we would patiently wait for the punch line and all laugh together. He loved to join his family on adventures exploring the outdoors, hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping. He also enjoyed exploring God’s creation, hiking most of Philmont and large portions of the Appalachian Trail. God and His principles were central to family gatherings as he endeavored to impart God’s word and principles to the next generation. Billy was faithful to God’s work throughout his life for it both saved and transformed his! Billy is survived by two sons and their wives, Matthew and Stacy Alexander, and Nathaniel and Deborah Alexander, as well as six grandsons, Peyton (25), Keegan (23), Corbin (21), Dylan (16), Brayden (14), and Landyn (12), and one granddaughter, Jordyn (17), as well as numerous siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins. God truly blessed him! Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Entombment will follow at Mission Burial Park South.

Tributes

Billy Gene Alexander

December 19, 1944 - August 25, 2024