Mr. Thomas Wayne Alexander

A celebration of the life of Mr. Thomas Wayne Alexander, 77, of Henderson, will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2023, at First Baptist Church with Dr. David Higgs and Rev. Don Edmiston officiating, under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center at the church. Tommy passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023. He was born to the late Howard and Helen Alexander on December 21, 1946, in Kilgore, Texas. Tommy is survived by his wife Kathy Alexander of 51 years; daughter Kristy Everitt and husband Terry of Henderson; son Todd Alexander and wife Holly Jo of Beckville; grandchildren Collin and Abbey Everitt of Henderson and Madalynn and Hannah Alexander of Beckville. Tommy is also survived by his brothers Dennis Alexander and wife Missy of Kilgore, Steve Alexander and wife Dena of Kilgore; sisters-in-law Wendy Alexander of Rowlett, June Johnston of Emory, Glenna Yates and husband Rick of Allen; brothers-in-law Joe Orren and wife Rhonda of Sulphur Springs, Milton Orren and wife Jennifer of Tyler; and a host of nieces, nephews, and family. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Helen Alexander and his brother Mike Alexander. Tommy graduated from Kilgore High School in 1965, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his education and deepened his love of basketball as a member of the basketball teams first at Kilgore College and then at East Texas State University in Commerce. Tommy, affectionately known as "Coach A," served as an educator for 44 years, impacting the lives of many. He began his career as a teacher/coach at Sulphur Springs ISD in August of 1970, it was there where he met his wife, Kathy. They moved to Henderson in 1973 and he worked for Henderson ISD for 26 years. He coached football and basketball from 1973 to 1982 and served the district as maintenance director from 1982 to 1987. In 1987, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent and continued in that role until 1998. He then accepted the job of Superintendent with Sabine ISD in 1998, serving in that capacity for 6 years. Tommy returned to Henderson ISD in 2004 as Superintendent and held the position through 2007, when he retired to enjoy time with his family. In October 2009, Tommy was asked to serve as the interim Superintendent of West Rusk CCISD. This led him to come out of retirement to fill the role full-time for 7 years, until he retired permanently in 2016. Tommy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Henderson. He displayed his faith in God through his desire to serve others. The impact and influence that he had on others was the ultimate example of servant leadership. His selflessness, devotion, and passion are evidence of his character and just a few of his most respected qualities. Tommy kept his family and close friends at the forefront of his life. He will be remembered for the big smile he had and all the lives that he touched. Tommy will be missed and loved dearly by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to the Children's Building Fund of First Baptist Church or the FBC Mission Projects Scholarships at 207 W. Main St., Henderson, TX 75652. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Mr. Thomas Wayne Alexander

December 21, 1946 - December 24, 2023