William E.

Tupelo - William Eugene"Gene" Alexander, 69, died Thursday, May 27, 2010, at The North Mississippi Medical Center after an extended illness. A Lee County native and life long resident, he was born August 7, 1940, to Vardaman and Earline Anglin Alexander. In 1958, he graduated from Tupelo High School and then attended Itawamba Junior College. He served in the Mississippi National Guard as a crew chief for eight years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed watching NASCAR. Most of all, he loved his four grandchildren and enjoyed special times spent with his family. He was a member of Priceville Baptist Church where he served as a a deacon and nursery director for over 35 years.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Tim Roaten and Rev. Tim Tutor officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park.

Survivors include His wife of 48 years, Brenda Van Kitchen Alexander of Tupelo; one daughter, Tammy Roaten (Rev. Tim Roaten) of Tupelo; one son, Kelly Alexander (Melissa) of Tupelo; his mother, Earline Alexander of Tupelo; one sister, Madie Morton of Tupelo; one brother, Ray Alexander (Barbara) of Tupelo; four grandchildren, T.J. Roaten, Travis Roaten, Brandi Alexander, and Jordan Alexander.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vardaman Alexander.

Pallbearers will be Phil Gunter, Gerald Adderholt, James Phillips, Dale Holloway, Dale Harrell, Wes Morton, Ben Hardin, and George Francis.

Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.