Michael Stephen Alexander

Dallas - Michael was born to parents Roy Eugene Alexander, Sr. and Mildred (nee Seigenthaler) Alexander in Nashville, Tennessee where he was raised with his twin sister Margaret "Midge" Puckett (nee Alexander) and older brother Roy Eugene Alexander, Jr. "Sonny".

A graduate of Hendersonville (TN) High School, Mike made his mark as a Commando through athletics, academics, and friendships. He played basketball, track, football, baseball, and participated in Science, History, and Spanish Clubs as well as 4-H Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and the March of Dimes.

Known to his school friends as "White Rat" (or "White" or "Rat" for brevity) for reasons we can only imagine, Mike left a trail of unforgettable memories. His senior yearbook quote read: "He entered the first grade as a little brat and left the twelfth grade with honors as a White Rat." and the legend continued with entries from his many friends, with their own colorful nicknames including Tarzan, Wild Buck, Birddog, C*ck, and The Roach.

As an adult, Mike moved to Texas, where he was a rolling stone working in Capital Investment for Orix Capital Markets and earned numerous prestigious awards for his accomplishments, mentorship and ongoing education - even earning a prestigious award from Carnegie Mellon. Always a sharp-dressed man, effortlessly polished, Mike's presence commanded attention long before he ever spoke.

Mike was married and divorced, married and divorced and married and divorced again before he finally found something he wasn't good at (marriage) and was giving up on it.

His best friends became family, he valued his time with his nieces and nephews nearby in Austin, and his children as they grew up Chad Alexander (Jody), Taylor Alexander (Heather) and Alana Alexander (Christian) and had kids of their own. It was this phase when the White Rat received his most honored nickname as "G-Pa" to his grandchildren Jessica, Chance, Delaney, Caila, Amerie and Archer.

Mike was wildly well-read and had encyclopedic knowledge of business, sports, music, culture, wine and food - and he'd tell you so - most often debating the proper way to smoke a brisket. His deepest passion was experiencing life through music and discovering new music whether live or vinyl. He shared that passion with the people closest to him-catching live shows, rallying at games, celebrating holidays, and most of all, unwinding in his oasis: on his signature pink float, as the rhythm of pool fountains blended seamlessly with the soulful grooves of St. Germain playing in the background.

When one of us succeeded in impressing him with music, meat or a good story he'd give us a long, drawn out "daayumm" and when life threw him lemon after lemon after lemon, he would just smile, shake his head and say "Well, I got that going for me."

After many years of lemons tossed his way, he put up one hell of a battle to live, be with and love his family. On his (unknowingly) final morning with us, he adamantly and repeatedly stated the name Athena. Super confused, we read aloud the description of the Greek Goddess and Protector, in which he nodded to confirm. Turns out, prior to adulting, Athena was his German Shepard and protector. The night he passed, he gave a thumbs-up, a big smile, waved goodbye, and then left us. We believe Midge was there to embrace him and Athena led them to Heaven to be welcomed by his brother Sonny and his parents.

A "Celebration of Mike" was at his home in Carrollton, Texas on Saturday, August 23.