Clarence “Coach C.J.” Alexander, Jr., a native of Donaldsonville, LA and a resident of Prairieville, LA, passed away on August 11, 2021 at the age of 84. Coach C.J. was a coach and athletic director for 27 years at Donaldsonville High and Plaquemine High Schools. During his own football career, he was given the nickname of the “Black Knight” at Donaldsonville High School as a running back in 1954. It was the only year that they have ever won the state championship. His #61 was retired in 2016. He transferred from LSU to Hinds Jr. College, and was selected for both All-State and Junior College All-American teams. Moving on to Southeastern Louisiana University, he also made All-American and Conference MVP as he led in scoring and rushing. He was inducted into both Hinds and Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame. In the NFL, he played for the Boston Patriots and the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL. After retiring, he stayed active in the LHSFA. He was a member of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. He is survived by his children, Jayne (David) Bates, Bridget Johnson, Mikelyn Caballero, and Kelly Pilley; sister, Carolyn A. Korner; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Beverly Olivier Alexander; parents, Clarence “Coon” and Amy R. Alexander; brothers, Herd Rodrigue and Gerald Alexander; sister, Aurelie Finley; and niece Sharon J. Bouffanie. Visitation will be on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., from 9:00 a.m. until a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Phil Spano. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Kevin Landry, Matthew Joffrion, Clint Caballero, Luke Caballero, Zachary Pilley, and Brent Korner. Honorary will be BJ Guzzardo, Boybe Schexnaydre. Memorial contributions can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Special thanks to St. Joseph’s Hospice, nurse Katie and CNA Frezla.
