Benny Alexander

Mr. Benny Alexander, 86, of Statesville, died Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at the Gordon Hospice House. Born in Brooke County, West Virginia on December 2, 1928, he was a son of the late Andriano D’Alessandro and Julia Drusez. He is the last surviving member of his family having been preceded in death by  brothers: Augusto and Felix Alexander and sisters: Rosa Leoni, Anna Felici, Jennie Leoni, Mary Jones, Angelina Wood, Julia and Norma D’Alessandro. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Alexander. Benny was a member of Broad Street Church Of Christ where he was formerly a song leader and Bible Class Teacher. He also was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman. He retired from International Paper Uniwood Division. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Belle Hunt Alexander, sons: Vern Alexander of Hickory, Richard Alexander (Kay) of Statesville, daughers: Gloria Hess (John) of Colliers, W. Va. and Joyce Phillips (Scott) of Statesville. Along with 11 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 8 step great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Broad Street Church Of Christ with Mr. Ben Phillips and Mr. Dave Wood officiating. He will lie in state at the church from 2:00 until 4:00 prior to the service while the family receives friends. Burial will follow in the Abilene Church Of Christ Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com . Memorials may be given to Hospice & Palliative Care Of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd. Statesville, N.C. 28625 or to the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave. Suite 100, Charlotte, N.C. 28207. The family wishes to thank all  of his health care givers for their compassionate, loving care. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.