David Merrill Alexander

With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the peaceful passing of David Merrill Alexander of Dunwoody, Georgia at the age of 92. Surrounded by family, he left this world on September 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and unshakeable kindness.

Born August 11, 1932, in North Vernon, Indiana to Adrabel Louise Fisher and Harry Virgil Waddell and adopted at an early age by his mother’s second husband, William “Bill” Alexander, David was raised in the Christian Science Church and graduated from Principia College. His mother died from multiple sclerosis when she was only 37, and thereafter, he sought out a relationship with his birth father, Harry, who had waited for years to begin a relationship with his son. Through God’s grace, David came to know the Lord. After moving to Dunwoody in 1978, David became a member and deacon at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church and served on its building committee. Later, he became a member of Dunwoody Baptist Church.

An industrious man, David got his first job at the age of seven and lent his father his money to help open a grocery store when he was only 11 years old. A true patriot, David memorized the eye chart to overcome his amblyopia and enlisted in the army to serve in Korea before returning home and meeting his future wife, Mary Lou Ann Brandt. Mary Lou and Dave loved roller skating, playing cards, going to the movies, and driving around North Vernon in their courtship, and they married on August 18, 1956. God richly blessed them with five children, and although tragedy struck early when their first-born child, Christopher David, passed away at 14 months, David and Mary Lou clung to each and overcame their loss becoming even more devoted to one another.

David lived a life that was rich in both years and experiences. He loved boating and American cars and could identify any car, year, make, and model, instantly. He not only loved cars, he also loved to drive them. After Mary Lou’s family moved to Fontana, California in the 1950s, he and his young children would drive every year to visit them and spend their vacations with Mary Lou’s many siblings and their children. A descendant of writers, David also kept journals for decades, and his little black books included everything from knock-knock jokes to birth announcements as God continued to bless him and Mary Lou with more children and grandchildren. A master of wit and with an easy smile and laugh, he was a constant source of entertainment for those who knew him. His comedic timing was balanced by his fierce morality, and his character was the foundation upon which generations grew.

Known for his unrelenting work ethic, Dazey, as he was known to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spent many years in the paper sales industry, but his true life's work was his family. He was a devoted husband to his love, Mary Lou, to whom he was married for 68 years, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, his presence in our lives was nothing short of a blessing.

Whether through his infectious smile, his incredible stories of his many years, or his quiet presence and wisdom, he had a way of making each person feel special and deeply loved. He rarely met anyone with whom he couldn’t find a connection, a common friend, city, or interest. He jotted down their stories in his little black book to share with others.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Lou Alexander; children, Cheryl (Erik) Christensen, Gary (Alison) Alexander, Ty Alexander, Laurie (Chris) Banks; his siblings, Terry (Mary Anna) Waddell, Marilee (Roger) Jorgenson, Judy Alexander Hill; his grandchildren, Tyler (Laura) Alexander, Hallie (Joseph) Mills, David (Sarah) Alexander, Caroline (Matthew) Snowberger, Alexander (Morgan) Christensen, Elizabeth Banks, Ansley (Blair) Chenault, John Banks, Emily (Bo) Ezell, Matthew Banks, Victoria Alexander, and Ty Alexander; and his 9 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry a piece of his heart with them. Though he has left this world, the values he instilled and the love he gave will endure for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to DBC Benevolence.