Joseph Richard Alexander, 86, of Kingston passed away peacefully from pneumonia at Roane Medical Center, on March 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Joe fought a valiant battle with pulmonary fibrosis for the past 6 years.

He served his country as a United States Naval pilot and saw service in Vietnam as a combat pilot for which he was awarded the Air Medal. Following his military service, Joe had a career as a United Airlines pilot. Joe was also a professional songwriter. Joe will be remembered for his dry wit, razor sharp mind, and his beautiful singing voice.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of twenty-nine years, Rosemary, and his daughters, Diane Alexander and Kim Christopher. Surviving grandchildren and great grandchildren include Shaun Powell, Nicole Pate, Delaina Crain, and Emmerly and Emelia Pate.

Joe is also survived by Rosemary’s family: Dr. Jonathan and Dr. Nadia Hensley, Clementine and Beverly and Sonya Hensley Bivens and Danny.

A graveside service only, to which all are invited, will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Kingston United Methodist Church Memorial Garden with Reverend Todd Adams officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the Roane County Military Memorial Honor Guard and the United States Navy.

Joe’s family would like to thank the Roane County EMTs, Roane medical doctors, Dr. Holland, Dr. Diaz and Dr. Ketschke, nurses and staff on the second floor for their professional and compassionate care of both Joe and Rosemary during this difficult time. The family is also grateful to Joe’s personal physician, Dr. Rodney McMillin and his pulmonary specialist, Dr. Samar Chemitelli. Kyker Funeral Home of Kingston is serving the Alexander Family.