Alexander Cooks

Alex Cooks, 49, of Tampa, Florida entered into rest on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 surrounded by his wife, 4 sons and grandson, along with a host of family, loved ones and friends by his side. Alex was born in Loxley, Alabama and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He attended Troy State University where he was a player on the Trojans football team. He relocated to Tampa in 1985 and soon discovered his love of food and restaurant management. After his introduction to the BBQ business, he along with his business partner, the late Jim Jimbo, opened Alex’s Southern Style BBQ, stable in Carrollwood since 1995. Alex was an active community member, always providing and dedicating his time to mentor and help anyone who was in need. Along with his friends, Elizabeth Brennan and Kim Miles, Alex began the non-profit organization, Alex’s X-Mas for Kids, in 1999. Since the organization began he, along with his wife, Aimee, have given away over 20,000 new bikes to youngsters in Hillsborough County whose families may not have been able to provide a Christmas for their kids. Alex’s acts of kindness from mentoring, his philanthropic nature, to giving cars to people who needed it more than he gives testament to the impact he has had on all who knew him. Alex is an active member of the Chapel. CC Church where he served as an usher. Preceded in death by his beloved mother, Nellie Cooks and brother, McClinton Cooks Jr. Alex is survived by his wife, Aimee; sons, Alex Jr., Jorden, Chazz, Dewayne; grandson, Jorden Jr. Cooks; goddaughters, Shannon Banks, Mobile, AL and Danielle Frances, Tampa, FL; his father, McClennon Cooks Sr., Mobile, AL, Leroy (Doretha) Hawthorne, Tina (William) Cyprian both from Loxley, AL, Leonard “Tony” (Janice) Hawthorne, Pensacola, FL, Debora (Quinton) Holley, Curtis (Pamela) Cooks, Craig (Sharron)Cooks, from Mobile, AL, Cynthia (Lee) Tate from Salisbury, MD, Donna Cooks from Mobile AL. Along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews and his devoted team at Alex’s Southern Style BBQ. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 1pm at The Chapel. CC, 2795 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688. The family wishes to thank the Tampa Bay community for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alex’s X-Mas For Kids at www.alexsbbqtampa.com