William (Bill) Paul Alexander, age 89, and long-time resident of Rockwall, TX, passed away on June 25, 2020. He was born July 31, 1930, in Fayette County, TN, to Clarence Alexander and Mary (Chambers) Alexander. William grew up in Somerville, TN. He married the love of his life, Jean in 1952, and they had two children, Gregory Paul and Mary Annette. He served in the Air Force in the Philippines during the Korean Conflict. William graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and later went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration. Professionally, Bill was a talented engineer and a pioneer in the aerospace field, working on avionic systems for many early rocket and missile systems, the Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station. He also spent several years in Saudi Arabia working on the F-15 fighter.
William’s passion for aerospace was only matched by his love for reading (he was a voracious reader), playing cards, and his family. He was a man of faith and worshiped for many years at the First Christian Church in Rockwall. Bill was a man of few words and let his actions do his speaking for him. Everyone that met him would always comment on his smile and the way he had of making you feel important. William was a very caring and compassionate man who loved his family, country, and his work. His presence will be deeply missed by his friends and family.
William is survived by his wife: Jean Alexander of Heath, TX; son: Gregory Paul Alexander and wife Joan of Wildwood, MO; daughter: (Mary) Annette Steinfeldt and husband Brian of Heath, TX; grandchildren: Bradley Alexander Steinfeldt of Dublin, CA, Lauren Elizabeth Williamson and husband Craig of Harrisburg, MO, Katherine Dolores Alexander of St. Louis, MO, William Paul Alexander of Chicago, IL, and Jeanne Marie Alexander of Chicago, IL; and great-great-grandchildren: Carter Williamson, and Sadie Williamson. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Marvin, James, and Howard Alexander; and his parents: Clarence and Mary.
Services will be held at a later date.
