Ronald Claude Alexander

May 13, 1956 – April 12, 2022

Ron Alexander passed away at age 65 in Hoover, Alabama on April 12, 2022, a life gone from this world too soon. A beloved husband, father, son, and grandfather, he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow musicians.

Ron was born in Decatur, Georgia on May 13, 1956. He graduated from Columbia High School in Georgia before earning his Associate’s Degree in Music from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. He married Sheila E. Alexander on May 21, 1977.

Before music became a full-time endeavor, Ron worked in real estate and was employed by the Pulaski Furniture Company. At Pulaski, he was a manufacturer’s representative, assisting furniture dealers with selling to and maintaining clients. This job gave him opportunities to interact with a variety of people, laying the foundation for working with his music clients of all ages.

Ron had a passion for music during his lifetime. His children’s memories include waking up to the sounds of Pink Floyd each morning and having family music sessions. Always involved in music during his lifetime, Ron developed a professional career in the music industry that spanned over 20 years, earning the respect of other professional musicians as a dedicated and talented bass player. Ron often performed on bass as a backup for various groups including the soul group The Temptations. In the Birmingham, Alabama area, he played in local bands, symphonies, orchestras, and screenplays, and also taught music students privately and at Thompson High School, Hoover High School, and Bumpus Middle School.

Ron considered his greatest achievement as a musician was when a parent would tell him what a difference he made in a student’s life through music. His pride in helping students master their instruments was always evident. Long after music lessons ended, many people kept in touch to let him know of their musical accomplishments. Ron often volunteered at school events requiring a musician. Music was his life’s work and a source of happiness.

Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Sheila; his father Milton Brooks Alexander; and one grandson, Caleb Wilson.

Left to cherish Ron's memory are his mother, Nancy Carol Smith Alexander; his three children, Shannon Marie Alexander, Brooke Alexander Tissier, and John David Alexander; and his grandchildren, Ian Wilson, Alex Wilson, Isabelle Alexander, Abigail Alexander, and Elaina Wilson.

The family will greet friends from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2022, at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama, immediately followed by A Service of Remembrance for Ron Alexander at 1 p.m. at the funeral home's chapel. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham. The Rev. Jay Freeman will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the School of Music at Birmingham Southern College, www.bsc.edu.