ALEXANDER, MICHAEL, of Birmingham, known affectionately as "Big Mike"
or "Mr. A," passed away on May 22, 2021. He was born on July 8, 1955 in
Birmingham to the late Sarah and Woodrow Alexander. He graduated from Glenn
High School and attended Miles College, where he was a fierce member of the
football team. When he was a young man, he met the love of his life, Rebecca, to
whom he was married for 41 years, and with whom he raised two wonderful sons.
Mike worked as a coal miner, and worked at Jefferson Homes, Highland Plaza,
Altamont School for 23 years, and he was a substitute teacher at various schools.
He attended Friendly Baptist Missionary Church, where he served as a Deacon for
many years.
Mike was a selfless, loving, and joyful man who never met a stranger. He was a
devoted husband, father, and grandfather, with his wife, sons, and grandchildren
receiving his greatest love and attention. He also loved Alabama football and
hunting, but his greatest passion, after his family, was coaching kids in football,
basketball, baseball, and softball, sports he knew well, and soccer, a sport he
admittedly did not know so well, and about which he would say, "I don't know a
lot about soccer, but I know a lot about running." He was a fixture for many years
as a coach at Avondale Park, but he also coached all over the Birmingham area.
Few people in this world have had as positive of an influence on as many kids as
did Mr. A. He taught all the kids he met through coaching, at Altamont, and
elsewhere how to give a firm handshake and the importance of good morals, good
manners, and hard work. He knew the names of every student at Altamont, where
he was loved and adored. He is remembered by all students as someone who was a
friend to everyone, but also someone who gave special attention to those new to
the school, to the shy kids, and to anyone not having a good day. The students and
the players on his teams remember him as a constant encourager, consoler, and
supporter.
Mike is predeceased by his son Michael and is survived by his loving wife,
Rebecca, his son, Jonathan and wife Dani, and his grandchildren, Isaiah, Kailen,
Payton, and Jeremiah, and many sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews.
A family-only, graveside celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May
29, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. The family has asked that any donations be made to
Friendly Baptist Missionary Church, 920 6th St. N., Birmingham, AL 35204.