Dr. Roy L. Alexander, Jr., 89 passed on June 29, 2015. A scholar, teacher, mentor and friend, he is remembered for his charitable giving, strong faith and as a loving provider. Roy was born in Flushing, New York to Roy Sr. and Exie Alexander of Tyler, Texas.

Raised in Englewood, New Jersey, he learned the importance of good education, graduating from Duke University in 1948 with a chemistry major. There he played baritone saxophone, touring the country with the Duke University Ambassadors big band. Like many young men of his time he enlisted in the Navy as a medical core man. Following his military obligation he returned to college obtaining a Master of Arts in chemistry at Georgetown University. This allowed him a position with the Bureau of Standards in Washington DC. He continued his studies at George Washington University obtaining a PhD in chemistry. After two years at the National Institutes of Health he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma spending six years at Hillcrest Hospital managing the chemistry laboratory. His education afforded many opportunities including a position in charge of running the special chemistry lab at St. Louis University Hospital lecturing internal medicine residents and medical students. After 29 years in St. Louis he retired to Carolina Beach, North Carolina. He remained active preparing and fine tuning course work in medical technology. Roy was a firm believer in a solid education; it wasn't what college you were going to, but which graduate program you would attend.

He enthusiastically followed the achievements and progress of his children and grandchildren with similar expectations. Roy was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, spending over thirty years in various leadership capacities in both Chesterfield, Missouri as well as Carolina Beach, North Carolina. He thoroughly enjoyed camping, cooking and merit badge counseling, spending time at Philmont Scout Ranch high adventure camp as well as hiking the Appalachian Trail. He was an active runner, exercising regularly. His love of music remained throughout his life returning to his roots of big band jazz forming the Roy Alexander orchestra in Carolina Beach. He remained extremely active as a member of the Daytona Concert Band and continued his love of big band music playing in Shelly London's band, "The Sound", as well as Jim Miller's Jimmy Dorsey Band. Roy was a long standing member of the Tomoka United Methodist Church. He enjoyed reading, especially the works of John Wesley and Billy Graham.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy, his son Christopher, wife Pat, his daughter Jennifer (Alexander) Backlund, husband Greg and five loving grandchildren; Gilford, Grant, Jesse, Jamie and Jake. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Daytona Rescue Mission. Funeral services are scheduled at Tomoka United Methodist Church, July 13, 2015 at 10:00A.M.