Hal Emile Alexander

Hal Emile Alexander, 73, peacefully passed away on July 15, 2024, after battling cancer while living at Brookdale Asheville Overlook. He was born an only child on October 31, 1950, to the late Emile and Jennie Hipps Alexander of Majestic Avenue, Asheville NC. 

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his grandfather Jim Hipps also known as singing Jim Hipps who was well known for shape note teaching and singing throughout WNC.

Hal lived his entire life in West Asheville and was a friend to all he met and a patron by foot to many businesses along Haywood Road. After graduating from Asheville High School in 1970 he began his life's work as a dishwasher in five area restaurants, including his last position where he retired at J&S Cafeteria at River Ridge. Hal's life was centered around his lifelong church Trinity United Methodist in Asheville where he participated in their choir, Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible Schools, an usher, a member of the United Methodist Men and multiple year Relay For Life fight against cancer walker.

Sports viewership of all kinds were his passion, and above all UNC Basketball and Football, as well as the NFL and Major League Baseball. He even served as his church softball team's Equipment Manager, which brought him even closer to the action. Hal also enjoyed fellowship with all he met and probably never met a stranger. Kindness and honesty were his strengths, and he had many friendships throughout his rich life, especially with his church family and former classmates.

He is survived by his cousin J.C. McGee of Asheville as well as second cousins; friend and caregiver David W. Talburt (Pamela) of Canton, and many more close friends including his church family. 

A celebration of life service will be held 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 587 Haywood Rd, Asheville NC 28806 with Reverend Jeremy Morris officiating. His family will gather at 11:00 a.m.to receive friends in the church sanctuary from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. The burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 1 Chapel of Faith Drive, Candler, NC 28715.

Memorials in his honor may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Music Ministry of West Asheville, NC, and to the American Cancer Society.

The care of Mr. Alexander has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Candler and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com.