Walter "Tom" Alexander

January 10, 1948 ~ October 23, 2018
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Walter Thomas (Tom) Alexander, treasured husband, loving son, strong and committed father, loyal brother and the best Poppy in the world, went home to be with our Lord & Savior on Tuesday, October 23rd, with his family by his side. Tom was born on January 10th, 1948, in Asheville, NC, to the late Walter and Bessie (Baird) Alexander. Asheville was a place he loved and made his indelible mark. In 2011, Tom moved to Mountain Air Country Club, Burnsville, NC with his loving and devoted wife, Joan Alexander. They enjoyed spending their winters together in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Tom was an avid participate with his church family, beginning at Central United Methodist Church, in Asheville, and ending at Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church, in Burnsville. Wes Sharpe, the previous pastor at Higgins Memorial, became a close friend and his refuge and strength during his battle with cancer.
Tom graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School in 1966. He then attended NC State University where he graduated in 1972, with a degree in Civil Engineering. Tom loved his Wolfpack! For the past twenty-five (25) years, he pursued his interests in regional and local economic development and assisting less privileged children. Tom served on the Board of Governors of the Country Club of Asheville (one year as its President), the State of North Carolina’s Economic Development Board, Caring for Children’s Board of Directors (two years as its President), AB Tech’s Board of Trustees, Buncombe County’s Planning and Zoning Commission (three years as its Chairperson), and on the Board of Directors of Advantage West (the last three years as its Chairman). He cared for his community and it showed with everything he did.
Tom began working at the age of fourteen, in what was to become a lifetime career in the Construction Industry. Tom returned home to Asheville in 1978 to work for Perry M. Alexander Construction Co. He owned and operated Perry M. Alexander Construction for over twenty years. During that time, the company constructed numerous highway projects (including a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s missing link) and retail site developments in North Carolina and its surrounding States. In 2002, Tom began work for Taylor and Murphy Construction for ten years in the role of business development while assisting with the acquisition of certain significant highway, retail development and energy related projects. Following his semi-retirement in 2012, he continued in the industry as both a consultant/advisor and as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. His current office is filled with pictures of these immense construction job; all a source of joy and accomplishment.
Tomas’ as his wife Joan would often refer to him, will miss him immensely. Tom is true hero to us all. Tom’s primary oncologist recently said, “It’s the Tom Alexander’s that keep us in the labs looking for a cure for cancer.” Tom is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Brian Alexander and wife Morgan (Welch & Essie) of Swannanoa; son, Tyler Alexander of Swannanoa; stepson, Joseph Batchelor (Julian) of Philadelphia, PA; stepson, John Batchelor of Los Angeles, CA; sister, Nancy Alexander of Swannanoa and niece, Sara Beth Tucker. Tom felt blessed to have witnessed the birth of his grandbabies, Welch & Essie. He also enjoyed spending time discussing all sports related events with his grandson Julian.
Tom was a descendant of the original settlers of the Swannanoa Valley. He enjoyed travel, golf, attending sporting events and, especially, the Carolina Panthers. A huge thank you, to Coach Ron Rivera, of the Carolina Panthers, for reaching out to Tom during his final days.
A funeral service will be held 11:00am Saturday, October 27 at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob Blackburn officiating. Burial will follow at Piney Grove Cemetery in Swannanoa. The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00pm Friday in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Rd.
In lieu of Flowers, Tom wanted those of you who can to support Black Mountain Home for Children, 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
I am so sorry for this loss. Sincere sympathy to the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Joan and Tom’s Family. Tom was truly a friend. One who offered me encouragement and advice as I battled cancer myself. I was inspired and trusted in his leadership on the Advantage West Board of Directors where I was the Vice-Chair and I always admired his leadership and dedication to Western North Carolina. I was so blessed to have spent time working with Tom. I will miss him.
So sorry to hear about the loss of Tommy. He was a great boss and a true friend.
Tom was a great guy. We worked together at Taylor & Murphy and had many laughs together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I pray that you will feel the loving arms of Jesus comforting you during this time and experience the peace that passes all understanding.
My condolences to Joan and the family on Tom’s passing. We served together on the A-B Tech Board of Trustees, and I always admired his sound judgement and candid input on issues. I considered him to be a good friend.
Tom was a great man always had a funny story to tell. Sorry for the loss he will be truly missed.
Tom was such a positive influence to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was the guiding force behind building the concession stand, restrooms, dressing rooms and press box located between the baseball and softball fields at Owen High School. His willingness to support the Swannanoa Community and the OHS baseball program in the 1990’s was greatly appreciated. His generosity will continue to have a positive impact on generations of student athletes in the Valley. I was blessed to have worked with him and even more thankful that I could call him my friend. I will miss you, Tom. Rest In Peace
Brian and Tyler,
I know you will miss your dad. I am praying for you.
Dear Alexander Family:
Tom was a great inspiration for us when Kim was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Tom was and will be a beacon of eternal hope for us!
Tom truly touched our hearts and lives.
We are praying for your family!
Love,
Fred & Kim Barnard
Tom was a great example of how to be a wonderful human. I will always be grateful for every moment we spent together. Sending love to Joan, and to the whole family. Thinking of you all.
Our prayers and sympathy for the Alexander family. He was a remarkable man with a very energetic attitude. We talked NCState and sometimes would follow each other to Raleigh for the football games. His attitude toward his illness was an example for many of us to follow. His vivacious personality was contagious and loved. We will miss this great man .
Joan, and the entire Alexander family…
Our sincerest condolences to you all in the loss of such a great light. In my brief encounters in getting to know you, it was happy to see someone so charismatic and happy, and I can see why my father and he were good friends: both hard workers who enjoyed life and loved their families dearly. I honestly believe that Tommy played a big part in dad’s recovery this year and he knows it, feels it. This has hit him hard, but the memories remain and we carry on. My family’s prayers are with you all. May God grant you strength and patience… be blessed with fond memories and his great smile.
Went to high school with Tom and we had many good years in school as well as doing business with Tom for many years. We coached baseball at East Asheville as opponents for our sons teams. I’ll pray for Tom’s family in my prayers. Ronnie Scarborough.
He was a sociopathic narcissist who cheated on every woman he had a relationship with, and lost his family’s business, which he was given, due to neglect, and he didn’t care. He was a social-climber who cared for no one. Glad he’s finally gone.