Steve E. Alexander Sr.

Family-Placed Death Notice

ALEXANDER, Steve STEVE E. ALEXANDER, SR. Mr. Steve E. Alexander, Sr. passed away Friday, March 14, 2008. He was born in Cordele, GA. in 1927; however, he spent most of his life in Atlanta, GA. He was a WWII Navy Veteran. Well-known for his generous and gentle ways, he seldom met a stranger. The word "NO" was not in his vocabulary, but "OKIDOKIE" was a common response. Mr. Alexander loved his church, community and family which were evident throughout his life. At the early age of 23, he began serving on the church parish council and was President for 3 consecutive years. He was on the building committee of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral at its current location and was also one of the original founders of the popular Atlanta Greek Festival. Mr. Alexander was a lifelong member of AHEPA, Chapter #1. For several years, Mr. Alexander would sponsor a fishing trip to Steinhatchee, FL, taking a busload of men to catch the fish that would be served at the church sponsored Palm Sunday luncheon. Mr. Alexander was so honored and respected in his church community that his eldest grandson, Michael, as a toddler, bragged to everyone, "My Papou is King of the church". Mr. Alexander's service to his church went beyond his local community. He also served as a member of The Diocesan Council and the Archdiocesan Council of Orthodox churches. Mr. Alexander served on the Board of Trustees of The Hellenic College of Holy Cross School of Theology in Massachusetts. He was a Past President of the National Council of Christians and Jews. Mr. Alexander was honored to be a member of The National Council of the Order of St. Andrew and became a regional commander of that order, the highest honor a lay person can receive. Seeing a need to assist the elderly with housing, Mr. Alexander found a way through federal grant monies to build The Hellenic Tower, a home for the elderly on Roswell Road. He served as President of The Hellenic Tower for 12 years. Because of his success with this project, Mr. Alexander received The Trustee of the Year Award in 1995 from the GA Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. In addition to serving his church, Mr. Alexander was also active in many other community endeavors. He was a member of The Knights Templar and The Yaarab Temple, where he served as President of The Banjo Band. Mr. Alexander loved to play the banjo in his red and white stripe jacket. He and his band played at the grand opening of Lenox Square Mall. Mr. Alexander was also a past master of The Capitol City Lodge #642 and The 32nd Degree of The Masonic Lodge. He was an original patron and lifelong fan of The Atlanta Braves and The Atlanta Falcons. Mr. Alexander was semi-retired. At 80, he continued to go to the office to sell insurance and service his accounts. Throughout his insurance career, he worked tirelessly to provide the best for his customers and employees. In 1986, he was named The Boss of the Year. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eustratios and Terpsichore Alexandrou, brother, Tony and infant son, Steven Charles. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lula Pryles Alexander. Not a day went by that he didn't tell his "darling Lula" he loved her at least 3 times. He is also survived by his eldest daughter, Terri and her husband, Ron Smith and grandchildren, Michael and Jessica Boudoucies; his daughter, Marianne Beverly and grandson, Steven; his only son and best friend, Steve E. Alexander, Jr. and wife Debra, and grandsons, Steve III, Nicholas and Michael; and several nieces, nephews and godchildren. To everyone that his life touched, he leaves a legacy of love, strength, kindness and service to others. His spirit will always shine in their hearts. May his memory be eternal. The family will receive family and friends from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday at A.S. Turner and Sons. A prayer service will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. with visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at The Metropolis Chapel, adjacent to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. Funeral services are planned for Monday, March 17, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation. A. S. Turner & Sons