Lee Rich Alexander

Lee Rich Alexander passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 1:55 p.m. He was born in Savannah, Georgia on November 18, 1953 to Louis Richard Alexander and Suzanne Vaughndorf-Alexander. Demonstrated an early aptitude for academics and a love of learning and, as a result, skipped 7th grade continuing through the public school system in Savannah before graduating summa cum laude from savannah high school at the age of sixteen. During his youth he attended Sunday school at, and was a member of, Temple Mickve Israel, where he was confirmed.

After high school he attended Emory University in Atlanta, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974. He then attended Emory Medical School, graduating in 1978. He was a Board certified anesthesiologist who practiced at Georgia Baptist hospital in Atlanta, retiring early due to illness. Being forced to take early retirement from a career he had worked long and hard to achieve might have been a major source of depression for most but not our Lee. In the words of his son, Ben, “Not once did Dad complain or ask, ‘Why me?’, but instead always found joy in life and his kids.”

His life’s winding journey lead him to actively seek Christ daily. He was baptized at Southwest Hills Community Church in 2009. He spent countless hours in the back yard throwing ball with his beloved whom he was so proud of, instilling in them a passion for sports and life. He genuinely loved helping his children with their homework and all things school related. He was a fixture in the bleachers during their many baseball and basketball games, an enthusiastic and expressive fan. Many afternoons were spent watching sports with his kids or playing golf. He enjoyed his Thursday morning Bible study class and took great pleasure in the friendship and companionship of the class participants. The image of him strumming the guitar while singing Beatles or Moody Blues tunes is indelibly marked in our memory of him.

Lee was a gentle person who took a scholarly approach to life, thinking through issues of the day. His wise, studied counsel was sought, appreciated and will be missed. He shall be remembered as being consistently loyal, dependable, generous, affectionate, witty, devoted to family and a person who lived in the flow of forgiveness while always striving to see the best in others. His quick wit and dry one-liners could leave you laughing as you thought of them for days after delivery.

Lee is survived by the two great loves of his life, his children, Benjamin Louis Fondren-Alexander, 19, and Lauren Rachel Fondren-Alexander, 17, of Austin, Texas as well as his ex-wife, Tawnya Gail Fondren, also of Austin. Additionally, he’s survived by his trusted brothers, Henry Rich Alexander of St. Louis, Missouri and Michael Clay Alexander of Austin, his maternal aunt Betty Vaughndorf of Savannah, Georgia, cousins Amy May of Chicago and Judith Bushkin of Virginia.

His family and friends will greatly miss his camaraderie and friendship but rejoice in his newfound freedom. Lee’s family is immensely grateful to the Austin Waldorf school community for all you’ve done for us during this time. You cushioned the anquish of the past two months with acts of love and kindness too numerous to list here. We thank the members of his Bible study class, especially Mickey, who were so faithful in coming to see Lee while in the hospital. offering solace, humor and friendship. And we are forever grateful to the staff at Seton hospital for providing “full court press”, as one doctor said, in an attempt to help Lee get well enough to leave the hospital and live a longer life. We especially thank his surgeon, Dr. Askew, whom he came to think of as a brother, Dr. Pham for working magic and Dr. Bagwell for his skill and insight, which enabled him to live long enough to see Lauren on prom night, bringing him great joy. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Crohn’s-Colitis Foundation.

Love you, Dad!