IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Abram

Abram Alexander Profile Photo

Alexander

August 9, 1944 – June 1, 2020

Obituary

Abram "Abe" Alexander, 75, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Monday, June 1, 2020 at his residence. The son of Samuel and Annie Mae (Brown) Alexander, Sr., he was a native of Monticello, Jefferson County, Florida, born on Wednesday, August 9, 1944. "Abe" was a 1962 graduate of Howard Academy High School and in 1966 earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Bethune-Cookman College. During his collegiate years, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. In 1967, he moved to Putnam County to commence his professional band director's career in the Putnam County School District at Central Academy High School. During that same year, "Abe" married his college sweetheart, Agnes, and together they built their lives in Palatka filled with love, faith, selfless service and charitable giving.

Embarking upon his new career and family life, Brother Alexander swiftly became known in Palatka for much more than his directing of the high stepping Central Academy High School Marching Bulldogs Band and his signature band, "Abe and the Fabulous House Rockers." He was a renowned community activist and pioneer of equal rights and social justice organizations and initiatives in Palatka and in the Northeast Florida region. He was a charter member of the Barry Manor Senior Citizen's Housing Board during its initial development; former Chairman, Putnam County United Negro College Fund; instituting officer, (1972) Putnam County NAACP, serving as the NAACP President and Executive Officer; Commissioner, Palatka Housing Authority; Board Chairman, Putnam, Clay and Flagler Economic Opportunity Council (the former Community Action Agency.) "Abe" served in countless leadership capacities throughout his career, however, one of the most treasured contributions of his legacy included his primary role in securing higher education funding for over 500 disadvantaged students during an era spanning 30 years. He was awarded over 75 meritorious community service awards while simultaneously serving as a dedicated Putnam County educator, beloved husband, committed father and loyal grandfather.

He continued his forward persistence with his entrepreneurial endeavors as the Developer/CEO of Central Plaza-Martin Luther King Center (1986) which was designed to support, enable and enhance minority-owned businesses and youth community activities. Following his stellar career at Palatka Central, he journeyed over to Beasley Middle School as the Tigers Band Director, retiring in 1996.

He later became a franchisee of both Scott's Alarm and subsequently, SafeTouch Security Systems. Over his lifetime, it was crystal clear that Brother Alexander was a faithful man. He often talked about the "upbuilding" of God's Kingdom. He exhibited and demonstrated his love for God through his service and work for the church. He and his wife, Agnes were active members of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and they faithfully served together until the Lord called her to eternal glory on May 15, 2011. He committed to continuing his work for God with zeal and faithfulness under the leadership of his pastor, Rev. James McGriff. "Abe" led many stewardship and effective fundraising campaigns to support the church, church youth scholarship program, and the community. He oversaw numerous projects from origination to fruition, especially the church's structural renovations and enhancements. He also established Bethel's Putnam County African-American Hall of Fame. Substantiating his innate ability to keep his passion for singing and actively playing keyboards, he faithfully and energetically served as Bethel's Minister of Music until the Lord called him home.

He was affectionately called "Peter" by his immediate family.

He was preceded in eternal rest by his wife of 44 years, Agnes Alexander; son, Michael Maddox-Alexander; sisters, Ruth Williams and Juanita Patterson; brothers, Sam Alexander and Paul Alexander.

He leaves to cherish his memories: sons, Abram Patrick (Chantel) Alexander, Memphis, TN; Bishop Joseph (Bregetta) Garnett-Alexander, Wilmington, NC; sister, Minister Shirley Washington, Monticello; brothers, David (Betty) Alexander, Miami; Joseph "Joe" Alexander, Quincy; grandchildren, Ebony Patrice Alexander, Atlanta, GA; Abram Joshua Alexander, Nashville, TN; Preston Edward Avant-Alexander, Memphis, TN; godchildren, Tinika Battles, Shaka Ross, Derek Harmon and Baron Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, colleagues, church family and dear friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines (including required masks) a limited, socially-distanced visitation of family and friends will be from 5-7 p.m., on Friday, June 5 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." A Private Family Celebration of Abe's Life with limited to the family will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 6 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity, Rev. James McGriff, Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Palatka, is the eulogist. You may join the celebration via Facebook Live: Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel. Interment will be in Oak Hill West Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the Alexander family requests donations be made to: Abe Alexander Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Bethel A.M.E. Church, 719 Reid Street, Palatka.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Abram Alexander, please visit our flower store.

Services

Visitation

Calendar
June
5

Karl N. Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel

2400 Madison Street, Palatka, FL 32177

5:00 - 7:00 pm

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