William Earl Alexander

William Earl Alexander, 78, of Little Rock, Ark., transitioned peacefully on Thursday, April 21, 2016. Born on February 3, 1938 to the late Rev. T. D. Alexander and Zelma Lunon Joshua and raised by his stepfather, Will E. Joshua, he graduated with honors from Dunbar High School (1956) and Philander Smith College (1960). He also did graduate studies in history at the University of Arkansas in the 1960s. Preceded in death by his parents; aunt, Dorothy Lunon; two brothers, Willie Joshua and Joseph Joshua; cousin, Stanley Moore; uncle, Ray Joshua. His loving survivors include his daughters, Sheryl Alexander (Little Rock) and Cassandra Alexander Smith (Charles-Bowie, MD); brother, James E. Joshua (Little Rock); sister, Gloria Payne (South Bend, Ind.); his grandchildren, Ashley Carroll, Nicole Smith, Charles Smith, Jr.; one great-grandson, Terrance King, II and many other relatives and friends across the United States. Mr. Alexander taught for many years at Horace Mann High School and Henderson Junior High School, ending his teaching career at the Adult Learning Center. William emphasized attaining the highest educational training possible to all of his siblings, children and other family members. Visitation: Friday, April 29, 2016, 1-4:30 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St. Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Greater Center Star Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Traylor officiating. Burial will be on Monday, May 2, 2016, 11 a.m., at Pine Crest Memorial Park, Alexander, Arkansas.