07/26/2026
A great man who will certainly be missed. Sir, thank you for your service, we deeply appreciate all you did over the years to support the Shop with a Cop and Firefighter program.
​Whenever we passed through his neighborhood, Dave made a point to say hello and give a friendly wave. Occasionally, he would stop us just to test our knowledge on random fire safety questions.
​Rest easy, sir. We will take it from here.
Lieutenant David Michael Alexander (Ret.), 78, of Jonesborough, Tennessee,
passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
David was born on February 16, 1948, in Glen Cove, New York, to the late Ralph
and Emilie Alexander. His life's calling found him early: he served four years in
the United States Air Force as a firefighter, attaining the rank of Sergeant — the
beginning of a lifetime devoted to the fire service, protecting others and
preparing the next generation of firefighters to do the same.
After his military service, David continued his career with the Lake Barton Fire
Department in Orange County, Florida, and went on to serve with the Orlando
International Airport Fire Department, where his Air Force crash rescue
experience served him well protecting one of the nation's busiest airports. He
retired at the rank of Lieutenant from the Orlando International Airport Fire
Department.
Teaching was woven through it all. David, who held an associate's degree in fire
science, served as an adjunct professor of fire science at Valencia Community
College both during his firefighting career and after his retirement, and as an
instructor with the Maitland Fire Department. After moving to Northeast
Tennessee, he continued teaching numerous fire service courses, sharing
decades of hard-earned experience with countless students. The firefighters he
trained carry his lessons with them every time they answer a call — a legacy that
will protect lives for generations.
Those who loved David will remember him best through the sayings he was never
without. "News at six!" he'd declare. He was fond of reminding everyone that "It's
hard to soar with eagles when you're flying with turkeys!" And countless students
over the years heard the words that captured his life's work in a single challenge:
"So you wanna be a firefighter?!" His humor, his high standards, and his big
heart will echo in firehouses and family gatherings for years to come.
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol. He is survived by his
brother, Richard (Loretta) Alexander; his children, Robert Kleinschmidt, Kristen
(Marc) O'Connor, and Michael (Carrie) Alexander; and his grandchildren, Robert
O'Connor, Emmalyn Goodman, Sarah Johnson, Christopher, Kai, and Cynthia
Kleinschmidt, and Kathryn Alexander.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to those who cared for David with such
devotion. To Sorie Tamba, his longtime caregiver, whose exceptional,
hardworking, and loving care meant more than words can say; to Cheyenne
Adkins, for her loving care in his final weeks; to his medical team over the years
— Dr. Lisa McKinney; Victoria Osborne, FNP; Drew Turner, DNP; and Dr. David
Joseph; to Dr. Kelly Coches and the exceptional nurses of his team at the
Mountain Home VA Community Living Center, Lucas, Ken, and Rebecca; and to
the Amedisys home hospice team — thank you for the compassion and dignity
you gave him.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
at New Hope Brethren Church, 352 New Hope Road, Jonesborough,
Tennessee, with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor John H. Moore officiating.
Burial with Firefighter honors will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain Home National
Cemetery, 53 Memorial Avenue, Mountain Home, Tennessee, where he will be laid
to rest beside his beloved wife, Carol.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jonesborough Public
Safety's Shop with a Cop or Firefighter program, which provides Christmas gifts
and meals to local children in need each year. Checks may be made payable to
Shop with a Cop and mailed or delivered to the Jonesborough Public Safety
Department, 123 Boone Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659.
