Felix J'Wright Alexis Jr began his legacy on December 19, 1941 in St. Louis Missouri to the late Felix Joseph Alexis Sr and Irene Eleanor Wright Alexis. Those that knew him and loved him affectionally and passionately called him Jay, J’ Wright and Phil.
He was the oldest of 4 children. He departed this life on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at West Houston Medical Center in Houston, Texas, 2 days short of his 81st Birthday. See God already had an earlier Celebration planned in Heaven for his arrival.
Felix and his parents initially lived in New Orleans, Louisiana as his father was a pillar in the HBCU culture of Xavier University and thus, his young southern roots began. Early in age, Felix and his parents then moved to Savannah, Georgia. His father relocated there and continued a HBCU career of excellence at Savannah State University. It was there in Savannah that Felix and his siblings were raised in a loving home that was centered in Christian beliefs. In Savannah, Felix was educated at St. Benedicts the Moor Elementary School for Black Catholics and later went on to attend High School at St. Pius X where he played basketball as a starting forward. It was at this time that he was gifted with his first loving daughter, Cherlyn, who gave him much happiness and joy. He later finished his high school education and graduated high school in Baldwin, Kansas.
After finishing high school, Felix returned to Savannah and attended and graduated from Savannah State University with a B.S. in Mathematics. In the Fall of 1961, he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Beta Phi Lambada Alumni Chapter and was referred to as “Pretty Boy.” During his university years, he met his late wife Lillian McNichols. From this marriage they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Karen, who they both loved and adored dearly! Karen blessed Felix with a wonderful grandson, Bryson where he was an influential role model in his life. After college, Felix gain employment in Savannah teaching math at Tompkins Middle School and also worked hard under the supervision of his father at Savannah State University.
As a young man and father with much ambition, Felix headed to New York City to establish a career. He lived in the Bronx and Queens and was shortly employed at Merrill Lynch. Felix later advanced to ExxonMobil where he was a Senior Project Manager for over 16 years. There he was responsible for directing business process and re-engineering initiatives for major US airlines. Eventually, he and his family relocated to Plainfield, New Jersey for many years. While employed at ExxonMobil, Felix achieved his Master’s (MBA) from Fordham Gabelli School of Business in 1977.
One day prior to going to work he was sitting in an upscale NJ delicatessen, wearing his dapper 3 piece suit and eating his favorite gourmet grill cheese sandwich and looked around with a vision and said “It’s time! I’m going to buy this same building and start my real estate entrepreneurship.” So that was exactly what he did! And very soon after was the beginning of what became his Empire!!!!
Felix created Alexis & Associates, Inc., and went on to establish himself well in New Jersey. He purchased building after building, property and homes and became extremely established and successful. Felix was again relocated by ExxonMobil to Houston, Texas and there he recreated the same lifestyle in real estate while still maintaining his achievements in New Jersey.
All along his path, he taught and inspired young adults and many others to become Investors, Entrepreneurs, Business men and women. He highly motivated those to select the best of the best schools and encouraged his mentees to always have a plan and most importantly, achieve a good education! There are many today that comment that they are most grateful to him for sharing his knowledge as several have achieved their own successful businesses because of his guidance. He gave of himself much and was definitely committed to help many succeed.
While in Houston, Felix established himself in several other career paths. His interest in computer technology was a true passion of his. He was excited and completely lit up while having such conversation. He could speak, teach and lecture for hours and hours on how technology will and has already changed the world. This led him to open The Software Galleria Group as a Business Engineer and Software Consultant. He developed software programs for popular restaurant food chains and companies. Throughout his time at Software Galleria, he received many awards but he was most proud of being honored by Boeing for his contribution to the aerospace industry.
It was within this time that he united in love to the late Almaz Bekele. They both welcomed their handsome son, Uel, and together they loved and admired him greatly. Before his passing, Felix had the ultimate blessing of acknowledging the birth of his latest grandson, Hermes.
Felix continued educating at both Texas State University in the business and industrial technology related field and at American Intercontinental University where he became the Director of the Learning Center. He was instrumental with the task of crafting strategic plans and for the implementation of academic support, personal development and student success programs for 11+ years. He was also the lead instructor and curriculum developer for technology exchange program between the United States and South African Universities.
In 2015, Felix gracefully elected himself to semi-retirement in order to pursue his life long interest in real estate acquisitions. He often kept busy in what he always enjoyed doing.
Felix enjoyed the love and gathering of his children and family, southern restaurants, fine dining, oysters and Pinot Noir, serving his purpose, strategical thinking, reading, watching basketball and football, golfing, traveling and organizing his plans to eventually fully retire in Belize. See God had a better plan in store for him called Paradise!
We Love our Father Tremendously.
May He Rest in Pure Paradise and Heavenly Peace.
He is preceded in rest by his parents, Felix J Alexis Sr and Irene Wright Alexis,
Ruth Payton Alexis (Step Mother), Orin L. Alexis Esq. (Brother), Lillian McNichols Alexis (Earlier Wife) and Almaz Bekele (Beloved Partner).
Felix is survived by His Devoted Children: Cherlyn Alexis of Savannah, GA; Karen Alexis Holloway(Owen) of West Orange, NJ and Dr. Uel Alexis (Pakjira) of New York, NY. Three Sisters: Glea Stafford Whitehead of Atlanta, GA; Josephine DeCouteau of Savannah, GA and Theresa Payton of Atlanta, GA; Three Grandsons: Antonio Alexis; Bryson Owen Holloway; Hermes Joseph Alexis; a Devoted Cousin, Perry Ann Dix Stith; a Bonus Son, Juan Carranza; a Best Friend, Robert Gordon; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
PALLBEARERS
Anthony GordonActive Pallbearer
Bryson HollowayActive Pallbearer
Alem MismakeActive Pallbearer
Felix StaffordActive Pallbearer
Johnnie StaffordActive Pallbearer
Damon StithActive Pallbearer
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