Ellis Turner Alexander

Ellis Turner Alexander, 64, passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2017 in GA after being in declining health for several years. Ellis was born on November 26, 1952 in Salisbury, NC, and was the son of Jacob Franklin and Doris Turner Alexander. He was the grandson of the late Jacob and Kathleen Alexander of St. Petersburg, FL , and the late William and Dorothy Turner of Forest City, NC He graduated from Salisbury High School, where he was President of the Student Body and an All Conference football player. He also graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar, and three year letterman for the Tar Heel football team. His 53 yard field goal in 1973 was the longest field goal for the Heels for 12 years. Ellis was elected to the Rowan County Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. But more important than sports to Ellis were the lifelong friends he made as part of Salisbury High School and UNC football. Ellis married Nancy Smith in 1977. He worked in the transportation industry in NC for 11 years with Pilot Freight Carriers in Winston-Salem and Youngblood Trucking in Asheville. Ellis was recruited to the printing industry, where he made a career in several senior management positons in New Jersey and Georgia. He retired from RR Donnelly in Atlanta, GA in 2009. Community service was an essential part of his involvement in each community where he and Nancy lived. He was active in the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, the Buncombe County United Way, and Gwinnett County GA Junior Achievement. He was also Chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party, and was Secretary to the Board of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association. Ellis was an admired husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and was a friend and mentor to scores of friends and associates. His integrity, intelligence, humor and wit made for a personality that was a magnet for friends. A former teammate says it was easy to be Ellis’s friend. Another friend described Ellis as well grounded without taking himself too seriously. Before his illnesses he was passionate about mountain biking and hiking. Ellis was an adventure seeker, which led him to competitive kayaking and trips to the Grand Canyon with Nancy. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Smith Alexander, his daughters, Kerry Charlotte Cothern (Chad), and Christine Erin Alexander, and his beloved granddaughter, Charlotte Diane Cothern. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Alexander Buley and husband Bruce of Chapel Hill, and his brother, Jacob Franklin Alexander III and wife Susan of Salisbury, and numerous nieces and nephews who adored their uncle. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret Alexander Parker. Memorial contributions may be made to: The Rheumatology Research Foundation: Donations can be made online in Ellis’ name. http://app.mobilecause.com/vf/RheumHonor100 Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Glaucoma Center: Donations can be made online in Ellis’s name and designated to Glaucoma research. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/services/glaucoma/ SORBA Woodstock-Mountain biking PO Box 2652 Woodstock, GA 30188 Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Ellis Turner Alexander

November 26, 1952 - May 7, 2017