William N. “Bill” Alexander II

October 2, 1944 — October 3, 2026

William N. “Bill” Alexander II, age 82, of Rocky Mount died on October 3, 2026 following a valiant battle with Lewey Body Dementia. He was predeceased by his parents, William A. and Elizabeth Bennett Alexander; and his sister, Ann Lee Cook and her husband, Roderick Cook. Bill was born on October 2, 1944 and often recounted his early memories growing up on Maple Avenue in Rocky Mount among his favorites. His childhood friends remained dear to him throughout his life. Bill graduated from Franklin County High School and Davidson College. Following a two year assignment as a Captain with the US Army, he earned his law degree from University of Virginia. He often said that his law school friends were the best part of his time in Charlottesville, and he greatly cherished these lifelong friendships. ­Returning to Rocky Mount, Bill practiced law until he was elected Commonwealth Attorney in 1976, an office he held until 1984 when he was appointed General District Court Judge. In 1994, Bill was appointed to the Circuit Court for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. He retired in 2014 and continued his career as a designated and substitute judge and as a neutral for The McCammon Group until 2022. Bill never met a stranger; he genuinely liked people and made friends wherever he went. As a Boy Scout Leader, a member of many judicial committees, local boards, and Senior Warden on the Vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church, he gave generously of his time. He considered it the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Franklin County and the Commonwealth of VA. Traveling anywhere, time spent at Litchfield Beach and watching Davis and Emily grow into wonderful adults and amazing parents brought much joy to his life. Blessed with an adventurous spirit, the natural world was a constant source of wonder, happiness and recreation. He found peace and contentment in nature; clearing land, riding his tractor and observing wildlife were among his favorite pastimes. He believed that his best thinking was done in the serenity of the woods surrounding his home. Bill lived his life with a deep sense of gratitude for his family, his friends and his work, and he never took his good fortune for granted. Do your best, help others as you are able, and live with appreciation, integrity and purpose are words that Bill tried to put into action every single day. Surviving are his cherished wife Sarah, whom he described as the love of his life and his true north; his children, Nelson Alexander, William Davis Baker and wife, Lyndsay and Emily Andrew Oliver and fiancé, Aaron Houchens. Bill said that among his greatest earthly blessings were his four extraordinary and precious granddaughters. Molly Kate Oliver, Blakely Elizabeth Baker, Hallie Jane Baker and Eliza Davis Houchens made his life immeasurably richer, happier and more fun. He treasured every minute he spent with them. He was their funny, silly “Boppy “and they adored him. Bill is also survived by his brother-in-law, Richard A. (Drew) Davis and wife Jennifer; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at the Franklin County Courthouse. The memorial service, conducted by Reverend John Heck, will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The service will also be live streamed on YouTube, Trinity Episcopal Church, Rocky Mount. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider memorial donations to Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charitable organization of your choice. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.

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