Robert "Bob" Thomas Alexander

Robert Thomas Alexander, a proud U.S. Army veteran and beloved brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many, passed away peacefully on 18 October 2024 at the age of 80. He lived a life of service and honor and leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and devotion that will forever be cherished by those who knew him.

Born on 1 January 1944 in Portsmouth, Virginia, Robert “Bob” Alexander was one of five children born to Benson Joseph Alexander and Lynette Andrews Alexander. He was raised in Norfolk, Virginia and graduated from Norview High School in 1962. He grew up with a deep sense of duty to his fellow citizens and an incomparable work ethic.

At a young age, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He served his country with honor and distinction, defending freedom and protecting the values he held dear. He earned the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, and his Sharpshooter Badge (M-14 Rifle).

After returning home from Vietnam, Bob continued to exemplify the values instilled during his military service: loyalty, hard work, and compassion. He worked as a Norfolk policeman for a short time before an illness related to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam prevented him from continuing this career. He then started work at Firestone and worked his way up to become store manager, working many long hours to provide for his family. Bob was a loving and dedicated husband to his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Ann R. Alexander and a devoted father to Michael Alexander, Michelle Alexander Warner, and R.T. Downs. He always had a sense of lighthearted competitiveness, as well as a great sense of humor that seemed to get better with age. He shared his words of wisdom with his loved ones and kept us all entertained with his playful funny jokes.

After retiring from Firestone Bob continued working with his love of cars, this time selling vehicles at Beach Ford. While working here an opportunity fell into his lap to own his own business and work for himself. So Bob bought himself a soft serve ice cream truck where he and Ann spent 11 years working together and became known as Mr. and Mrs. Frostee. After this, Bob sold the business to become more involved with helping Ann provide care for their three youngest grandchildren while their parents worked, which created a close relationship making lasting memories with them. He was always known as “the fun PopPop,” always making up silly, fun, creative games to play with them. Bob cherished time spent with all 8 of his grandchildren passing down stories of resilience, hope, and perseverance while making many fun and cherished memories. The icing on the cake as a grandfather was meeting his 3 1/2 month old great grand daughter after he returned from a wonderful family Caribbean cruise.

Upon his retirement, Bob continued to embody the principles of honor, service and selflessness. Bob was known for his generous spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He always made sure all our vehicles were taken care of too! He remained actively involved at his church, Courthouse Community United Methodist Church, always seeking opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He spent the last several years volunteering to help take care of the church lawn and helping Ann in the church food pantry. Bob also loved his 1963 ½ Ford Galaxie 500 which he purchased at a Mecum Auction in August of 2015. Ann would always find him in the garage tinkering with or cleaning his beloved Galaxie while listening to his oldies. Bob also enjoyed taking his Galaxie to local car shows with his Rattlin’ Bones car club, as well as their regular Saturday morning club breakfasts. When he wasn’t busy with his car club friends, Bob also enjoyed meeting with another group of longtime friends for a weekly game of cards.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, his brother Doug Alexander, his sister Marie A. Sarber, his niece Donna S. White, and his grandson Jack Warner. Bob is survived by many beloved family members to include his wife Ann R. Alexander, son R.T. Downs and wife Melinda, son Mike Alexander and wife Sarah, daughter Michelle Alexander Warner and husband Jerry, as well as 7 grandchildren: Jessica Downs Talmage and Jordan Downs, Lucas Warner, Ashlyn and Peyton Alexander and Devon and Morgan McCutcheon, and great grand daughter Parker Talmage. Bob is also survived by his brothers Donald and Ben “Cookie” Alexander, nieces Dee Garrison and Debbie Fagan, and nephews Rusty Sarber and Doug, Beau and Trey Alexander, and many great friends, all of whom will continue to honor Bob’s legacy by living their lives to the fullest with compassion and honor. Bob’s memory will be a guiding star for all who knew him.

All family and friends are invited to continue the celebration of Bob’s life at a memorial service with a reception to follow on 26 October 2024 at 1:00pm at Courthouse Community United Methodist Church at 2708 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in his memory to Courthouse Community United Methodist Church.

We honor Bob Alexander’s unwavering commitment to family and friends. Though he may be gone from our sight, his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him. Rest in peace Bob Alexander. Thank you for your service. You will be forever loved, remembered, appreciated, and greatly missed by all who were blessed enough to have known you.