Eric Richard Alexie Jr.

Eric Richard Alexie Jr., of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2011. Eric was born on October 26, 1946, in Norfolk, Va. He is preceded in death by his parents, Vera Mae Alexie and the Rev. Eric Richard Alexie Sr. Being the son of a Methodist minister, he lived in many locations in Virginia.
Eric graduated from Greensville County High School in Emporia Va., Ferrum College, and Randolph Macon College. He Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and minored in Fine Arts.

Eric was a member of Raleigh Court United Methodist Church where he was an active member until he began struggling with Dementia. He was a youth leader, the softball pitcher, a choir member and an easy to recruit, volunteer for most any project.
Eric worked for Lawrence Transfer for many years with jobs ranging from a branch manager to accounts payable. Eric also worked for the Virginia Museum of Transportation. He was the curator and Director of Exhibits. He had passion and pride for the transportation museum and he loved this job. In his home he had an HO scale train layout that was his hobby and joy.
Eric was in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War, but remained in the United States where he worked on specialized lightweight tanks. His rank was sergeant and he was a non commissioned officers school graduate, Army instructor. He was honorably discharged.
The disabling effects of frontolobal and vascular dementia and a seizure disorder cut Eric's life short. Fortunately he lived life to the fullest and enjoyed white water rafting, bowling on a bowling league, football, softball, singing in the choir, trips to Chicago and New York, with his grandmother, on the train when he was a young boy, opera, theater, plays, concerts, beach trips, cooking, gardening and a very well rounded array of interests.

Eric is survived by his wife of 17 years, Sharon Spradlin Alexie; and his stepdaughter, Morgan Brooks.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to one of the following: Raleigh Court Foundation, Raleigh Court United Methodist Church, 1706 Grandin Road, Roanoke, VA 24015; The Virginia Museum of Transportation, 303 Norfolk Avenue, Roanoke VA 24016; or to the Alzheimer's Association, 3959 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018.

We would like to recognize and thank the Adult Care Center, The Alzheimer's Association, The VA Dementia Unit, and Woodhaven Nursing Home for the outstanding care, love, and support they offered us during Eric's illness.
Services will be held at Raleigh Court United Methodist Church at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2011. The Rev. Milton Marks and the Rev. David Tanner will officiate. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2011, in Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton, Va., with Full Military Honors. The family will receive friends at Raleigh Court United Methodist Church from 12:30 p.m. on Sunday until the service time at 1:30 p.m. and again following the service. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel.