Thomas Earl Alexander

Veteran U.S. Naval aviator Thomas ‘Tom’ Earl Alexander, Sr. of Cape San Blas, Florida, and Thomasville, Georgia, passed away on May 10, 2022, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Born on March 11, 1925, in Evansville, Indiana, he was the son of Horace Earl Alexander and Alma Elizabeth Wittgen Alexander.
Mr. Alexander graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science and later attended the Naval Aviation School in Pensacola, Florida, where he earned his wings. He served 13 years as a Naval Aviator in both World War II and the Korean War. He later returned to the Naval Academy to teach Descriptive Geometry to the next generation of decorated servicemen, including the late Senator John McCain.
Following his military career, he served as General Manager of General Electric’s International Jet Fighter Group for ten years. He then joined Ingersoll Milling for eight years as Vice President of Sales before moving to Thomasville, where he served as Owner and President of Thomasville Industries, an office furniture manufacturer for two decades.
Mr. Alexander was known for his sharp wit and infectious smile. A captivating storyteller, many were lucky to hear him recount humble retellings of his many adventures. When not visiting with his adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mr. Alexander could be found enjoying the Florida coast or sipping his signature gin martini with his loving wife, Kay. A natural sportsman, he enjoyed golf and tennis and spent countless summers fishing in Colorado. Mr. Alexander was a faithful member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and an active community member.
He is survived by his wife, Kay Askew Alexander, a son, Thomas Earl Alexander, Jr. (Lynn), daughter, Julianne Alexander Feinberg (Stephen), son, Bradley Kevin Alexander (Suzanne), stepson, David Eckles, stepson Michael Eckles (Tracy), grandchildren, Alexander Feinberg (Katelyn), Ryan Alexander (Jessica), Tyler Alexander (Lindsay), Collier Feinberg (Bailey), Mary Catherine Alexander (Michael Berg), Jeffrey Alexander (Anna), Christopher Alexander, Ellie Eckles, Grover Eckles, Fletcher Eckles, great-grandchildren, Thomas Feinberg, Connor Alexander, Libby Feinberg, Austin Alexander, Colson Alexander, Joseph Feinberg, and Miller Alexander. Mr. Alexander was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Caroline Gossman Alexander, and his brother, Richard Leo Alexander.
A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Augustine. A Rosary service will be held at 5:00 PM on Tuesday May 17 at Allen & Allen Funeral Home with a visitation to follow until 7:00PM.
Memorials can be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, 211 North Pinetree Boulevard, Thomasville, or the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 King George Street, Annapolis, Maryland, 21402.