Jesse Willard "Billy" Alexander

Jesse Willard Alexander Jesse "Billy" Willard Alexander of Charlottesville, was called home to be with the Lord Sunday, November 15, 2009, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Billy was born in Madison County to the late Louis and Gertrude Campbell Alexander October 19, 1915. He was preceded in death by one sister, Martha Ackers. He was baptized at an early age and joined the Antioch Baptist Church in Madison County. His family relocated to Charlottesville during his teen years. Billy later served in the military during World War II in the 27th Quartermasters Division of General George Patton's 3rd Army in the Italian Campaign. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1945 as a Motor Transportation (Truckmaster) Non-Commissioned Officer and returned to the local area. For many years, Billy was employed as a picture framer for Paul Victorius and later for Creative Picture Framing. He also served as a houseman and bartender for 35 years with the Xi Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity at the University of Virginia. He was inducted as a life time member in 2005 by the Alumni Chapter brothers. He was also highly regarded as a private caterer and bartender, traveling on several occasions to Arizona with the Wheeler family. In addition, he was often asked by many local families to reserve his calendar months in advance for holidays and special events. He joined the Oak Union Baptist Church in the mid 1960's and served under several Pastors as a Deacon and as Chairman of the Deacon Board until his health began to fail. He was also a faithful member of the Deacons Council. Billy leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife of 49 years, Mary Brooks Alexander; two beloved sisters-in-laws, Constance C. Brooks of Charlottesville and Ruth L. Brooks of Esmont; one niece, Lesia N. Carter of Saint Charles, Missouri; one nephew, Edward Rydell Brooks and his wife, Traci, of Esmont; two special cousins, Caroline Johnson and Louise Morton of Madison County; two devoted friends, Roger Adams and Grady Lewis of Charlottesville and a host of other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the Oak Union Baptist Church with the Reverend Kevin L. Bolden officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2009, at the J. F. Bell Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book online at jfbellfuneralhome.com J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.