O'Neil Alexander Jr.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. O'Neil "Buddy" Alexander, Jr., 90, of Florence, who transitioned on Friday, August 8, 2025.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this time of loss and remembrance.

O'Neil Alexander Jr., affectionately known as "Buddy," was born on March 31, 1935, to the late O'Neil Alexander Sr. and Louise Wright Alexander.

Buddy was a lifelong member of Maxwell Baptist Church, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He served faithfully as a trustee for many years and, in 2024, was honored as the Patriarch of Maxwell Baptist Church. His devotion to his church family was evident through his active participation and constant presence among the congregation.

He attended Wilson High School and was a proud, dedicated member of the Wilson High School Alumni Association. Buddy regularly attended meetings, traveled with the group, and supported countless Wilson events. His deep love for his alma mater was recognized when he was inducted into the Wilson High School Hall of Fame in October 2024. Buddy was always a "Tiger" at heart.

Within the community, Buddy was well-known and deeply involved. He played an instrumental role with the Rocket Flyers baseball team and later helped organize and establish the Cardinals baseball team. He was also an active member of the Iola Jones Senior Citizens organization. For more than 40 years, Buddy was committed to the Elks Lodge, pledging membership to Greater Progressive Lodge #1607, and was also a lifetime member of Gate City Lodge #276.

A hardworking man, Buddy spent over 30 years employed at Vulcraft Steel Plant, working diligently to provide for his family until his retirement. For many years, he also worked a side job driving a tractor and cutting large lawns and grounds-a role that brought him lifelong friends who remained close to him even during his declining health.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Randy Alexander; one daughter, Julia "Angel" Alexander; four brothers, James, Willie, Richard, and Tommy Alexander; and one sister, Mary Louise Alexander. Through these losses, he remained steadfast and strong.

Those left to cherish his memory and legacy include his daughter, Azlee (Jean) A. Ford of Dillon, SC; five sons, Carl, Anthony, Gregory, and Travis Alexander, all of Florence, SC, and Tracy Alexander of Atlanta, GA; his former wife, Alease Williams Alexander; daughter-in-law, Judy Alexander; eleven grandchildren, Derrick Alexander (reared in the home), Jesse (Kiersten) Ford Jr., Justin Ford, Akeal Williams Sr., Carl Alexander Jr., Kyria H. (Keith) Fulmore, Ahmani, Kayden, Ahmad, Traveon, and Ahmeir Alexander; five great-grandchildren, Akeal Williams Jr., Jesse Ford III, Kayla Fulmore, Keith Fulmore, and Kyston Page; and bonus grandson, Jimmie Doss of Norfolk, VA. He also leaves to mourn his passing his siblings of Florence, SC, Grover, Larry (Gwendolyn), Curtis, Rev. Angelo (Thelma), and Linda Alexander, along with Angella Revis of Richmond, VA; a special nephew, Larry James; a very special friend, Ms. Rosa Lee Brooks; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family including the Ervin family (Mrs. Flora Ervin, Dewey Nelson Ervin Jr., Floramay Racz, Francis Marion Ervin II, James McLoud Ervin, and Elizabeth Nelson Holland), the Lucas family (Lisa Mathews and her late father, Carol Windham; Rev. Marion and Ashley Lucas), the Starks family (David Starks and Starks Florist), as well as best buddies Eddie Lee White, Raymond Mack, and Chapie Chapman.

Buddy will be remembered as a man of faith, family, friendship, and service-a true pillar of his community whose legacy will endure.

Arrangements Entrusted To:

Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.

106 E. Darlington Street

Florence, SC 29506

Memorials and Expressions of Sympathy May Be Sent To:

Ideal Funeral Parlor, Inc.

106 E. Darlington Street

Florence, SC 29506