Alexander Dumas

Alexander Dumas of Knoxville, TN, was bom on March 8, 1928 and died on February 12, 2026 at 97 years old. Born in Detroit, MI, Dumas enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 at the age of 17 and served as a corpsman with U.S. Navy hospital where he treated patients injured at Iwo Jima. After his discharge, he was a nurse at University of Virginia Hospital while he attended the university as a pre-med student. But his true calling would come about a decade after receiving a painting kit for his 27th birthday. He discovered a passion for painting and eventually had paintings commissioned by banks, businesses and organizations. His artwork helped Dumas eam accolades from some big names, including Paul "Bear" Bryant, Howard Cosell, Stan Brock and Johnny Majors

Dumas served as a major in the 3rd Infantry Brigade of the Tennessee Defense Force/Tennessee State Guard. In the early 1970s, Dumas met a paraplegic veteran who served as the catalyst for his creation of a series of works, including the aftermath of the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 titled "The Last Goodbye". Dumas' series of over 90 paintings depicts combat scenes from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War These paintings now reside at the Morris Museum in Augusta, Georgia. Other paintings reside in the USS Tennessee Battleship Museum, National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, East Tennessee Historical Society, Robert P. Coggins Collection, Medal of Honor Museum and others "Lest We Forget was one of Alex's favorite sentiments.

Beyond his art, Dumas was recognized for his involvement with various charities and organizations including the CADES program at Concord United Methodist Church, Remote Area Medical Expedition, Thompson Cancer Survivor Center and Knoxville Zoo. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Dumas. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela Piggott (Les) of Tylertown, MS and stepson, David Galey (Ginny) of Maryville, TN. He is also survived by grandson Charles L. Zakaib III (Gwyneth), great grandchildren Madelon & Rhoslyn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the CADES program c/o Concord United Methodist Church, 11020 Roane Drive, 37934.

Services held on February 24th, 2026, at East TN State Veterans Cemetery at 1PM with military honors.

5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919