A native of McComb, Mississippi in Pike County, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Alcorn State University in 1951. He did further study at Mississippi State University.
He enlisted in the Army while enrolled at Alcorn State University and served during the Korean War. Once his tour of duty ended, he joined the Army Reserve and served for thirty-five years. He retired as company 1st sergeant with the Engineer Reserve Unit from Greenville, Mississippi.
Mr. Alexander’s professional career expands over 50 years beginning in 1955 with Mississippi State University Extension Service and ended upon his retirement with the Washington County Board of Supervisors. In 1955, while employed with Mississippi State University Extension Service he held numerous positions, Negro 4-H Club Agent, Negro County Agent in Tippah County, Associate County Agent of Washington County and County Agent. He retired in 1985. After retirement, he made history in 1987 when elected as the first African-American county supervisor in Washington County and the first African-American president of the Washington County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Alexander distinguished himself very early as a person who possessed a deep passion for providing service to his fellow man.
Throughout his career, Mr. Alexander was a public servant who organized, helped, and created various avenues for African Americans in Washington county as well as the state including; Coordinator of Delta Field Days, created the Farmer of the Year award, chartered the City of Metcalfe, MS, assisted farmers in the area with soybeans, cotton, rice and horticulture crops. Additionally, due to his work in agriculture, he was named to the Agriculture Advisory Committee by then 2nd District Congressman Mike Epsy.
Mr. Alexander was a strong advocate for Alcorn State University encouraging all students in the Mississippi Delta to attend. Mr. Alexander became a member of the National Alumni Association after graduation in 1955. He served as the President of the National Alumni Association and Washington County (MS) Alumni Chapter, was honored as Alcornite of the Year in 1976, served as a lobbyist in the delta area and served as a national recruiter for the university. He also was actively involved in organizing Alcorn Night for students in the Mississippi delta.
Mr. Alexander was a member of professional and social organizations including: Chairperson for the March of Dimes, Heart and Cancer Fund and Community Chest for over 25 years; Chamber of Commerce, Brent Day Care Center Board, Coordinating Council Board; Salvation Army Board; Mississippi Council on Aging; Board of Directors for the Washington County Convention Center; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Past President of Greenville Park Commission; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Serene Lodge #567, Inter-Alumni Council and Alcorn State University Foundation, One Hundred Black Men of the Delta, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Additionally, he helped to organize Mississippians for Black Higher Education in 1981 and Washington Countians for Black Higher Education in 1982.
Moreover, in 1967, he received the Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding work for Alcorn by President J. D. Boyd and in 1981, received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding work in agriculture in the delta county area.
He was married to the late Alma Veals Alexander He was the father of three children: Sharon (deceased), Colonel Michael and Crystal.
Mr. Alexander succumbed October 17, 2006. At the time of his death, he resided in Greenville, Mississippi.