Donald Ray Alexander, 78, of Franklin, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2010.

A native of Arlington, VA and resident of Franklin for the past 22 years, Mr. Alexander was preceded in death by his mother, Verona Alexander, father Robert B. Alexander and brother, Robert B. Alexander, Jr. Mr. Alexander would like to be remembered for being happily married to his wife "Jess" for 50 years, raising two fine sons, John and Tom, and 37 years of service to his country �" this included four years in the United States Air Force and 33 years with the Army Intelligence Agency (AIA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in various analytical positions. Donald was recognized with a Certificate of Commendation by direction of the president, for work with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the Cuban Missile Crises. He received the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Army Intelligence Agency (AIA) and a personal letter from J. Edgar Hoover. He was a member of Patton United Methodist Church where he served as head usher and chairman of the Door Step Visitation Program.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jessie "Jess" Morgan Alexander of Franklin, sons John M. Alexander of Cleveland, TN and Thomas R. Alexander of Laurel, MD, and five grandsons �" Kevin, Kyle, Dillon, Patrick and Cameron Alexander.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 4, at Patton United Methodist Church. Rev. Keith Newell will officiate. Burial will be in the Patton UMC Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and the American Legion Post 108.

The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 4, at Macon Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to, Patton United Methodist Church, C/O Gary Holland, 65 Scroggs Road, Franklin, NC 28734

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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