Obituary published on Legacy.com by Brooks & White Funeral Home and Crematory - Roxboro on Jan. 22, 2024.
Dr. Thomas Allen Alexander, 76, of Roxboro, died on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Born in Lenoir County, he was the son of Jack Edwin Alexander and Sallie Beatrice Frederick Alexander. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Edwin Frederick "Buddy" Alexander, his aunt, Margaret Frederick, and his beloved Pug, Spencer.
Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Barbara Rogers Alexander of the home; two sons: Jonathan Corey Alexander (Seth) of
Orlando, FL and Joshua Brandon Alexander (Jessica) of Rolesville; two granddaughters: Claire Alexander and Paige Alexander; and a sister-in-law, Loretta Alexander.
In 1973, Tom and Barbara moved to Roxboro after investing in an aging Victorian home which the couple's nephews affectionately nicknamed Mount Vermin. Tom had a vision of restoring the home to its former glory, a dream that was realized and soon incorporated a neighboring home that would become his dental office. He quickly established himself as an unparalleled people person, easily making friends and earning the respect and trust of his patients.
The properties on Main Street were a neverending creative project for Tom and there was rarely a time when he didn't have a new idea or update to the family home. Most days if he wasn't at the office he could be found working in the yard, turning it from a simple lawn into an intricate garden filled with a massive variety of trees, plants and flowers. Christmas was his favorite time of year and he spent exhaustive hours filling the home with greenery, dozens of wreaths, multiple trees and decorations he collected over the years. Halloweens were legend at the Alexander home given Tom's amusement with making people scream. Trick-or-treaters would line the street each year waiting for him to jump out from a nearby hiding place, sending them scattering into the night and dropping candy for Corey and Josh to keep for themselves.
Main Street and Downtown Roxboro were filled with numerous quirky characters who perfectly matched Tom's unique sense of humor and colorful personality. Frances "The Diva" Wright affectionately referred to Tom as Ommytay and hosted him to endless bridge games at her Main Street Casino. Mary Lockhart became a third grandmother to the couple's two children and accompanied them on many a beach trip. Frank Kimbrough and Doug Newell provided constant creative inspiration and collaboration. These are but a few of the incredible personalities that were attracted to Tom's easygoing charisma and his laugh that always filled the room.
Thanks to neighbor Dr. Robert Long, Tom and Barbara were introduced to Long Memorial United Methodist Church. Tom was a dedicated member of the church and a passionate member of the church choir.
Theater, dance and the arts were a huge part of Tom's life for more than 40 years. He was a member of Roxboro's first arts council and appeared in a majority of Roxboro Little Theater productions, portraying key roles like Fagin in the musical Oliver Twist and the brainless Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. The Red Stocking Revue provided countless opportunities for Tom to entertain the masses with numerous songs, choreography, and comedy sketches.
Tom loved his community and this was apparent through his participation in many of Roxboro's groups and clubs including Jaycees and Kiwanis. He was also Treasurer of the Person Memorial Hospital Foundation Board.
Memorial service will be held 2 PM Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Long Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Edward Priestaf and Pastoral Intern - Slice Penny officiating. Visitation will be held following the service in the fellowship hall.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Long Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 310,
Roxboro, NC 27573 or the Educational Foundation, Inc., mailed to The Rams Club, PO Box 2446, Chapel Hill 27515.
Condolences may be sent to www.brooksandwhite.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Thomas, please visit our floral store.