Tommy Downs Alexander

Tommy Downs Alexander,  90, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Murray-Calloway County Hospital.
He was born December 4, 1933, in Calloway County, to Raymond and Mabel Downs Alexander, who preceded him in death.
Tommy graduated from New Concord High School and Murray State University with a degree in Chemistry.  He served in the United States Air Force during and immediately following the Korean War and was stationed in both Okinawa, Japan and Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.  Following his military service, he worked for several years as a chemist at Union Carbide’s Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Paducah and at General Tire and Rubber Company in Mayfield.  In 1971, Tommy became co-owner of Ward-Elkins Appliance and TV alongside his father-in-law R. L. Ward.  In 1986, he also purchased Purdom’s Furniture and Appliance Store in Murray.  He remained active in the appliance business until the age of 83.  He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Dannie Harrison’s Sunday School class and, for several years, served as leader of the Royal Ambassadors youth group.
Tommy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Annette Ward  Alexander, and his brother Dan Clayton Alexander.  He is survived by his daughter Gay Swift (Robert) of Murray; son Michael Alexander (Dan Ezell) of Venice, Florida; two beloved grandchildren, Alexander Wellinghurst (Janssen) of Jefferson, Georgia, and Grace Colson (Aaron) of Murray; and four cherished great-grandchildren, Gavin and Alexandria Wellinghurst of Jefferson, Georgia and Beckett and Annie Colson of Murray.
Tommy’s family will welcome visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at  J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Murray. A private family graveside and burial will be held at Murray City Cemetery officiated by Rev. Kerry Lambert.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made either to the Meals on Wheels program at the Murray-Calloway County Senior Center, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or the Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Lane, Murray, Kentucky 42071 where he adopted his last, much-adored cat, Bella.
Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com