Ray E. "Bud" Alexander, Jr., 67 of Tempe, Ariz., formerly of Springfield, Ill., died Sunday, May 6, 2018.

He was born April 8, 1951, in Alton to Ray, Sr. and Lauretta (Jilek) Alexander. 

After graduating in 1969 from Jersey Community High School in Jerseyville, where he proudly received recognition as the 1968 "Back of the Year" for the football team, Ray attended Illinois College for two years. In 1971, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank sergeant and serving until 1974. During his time in the Marines, Ray graduated as the Honor Man for his boot camp platoon, and later served as an electrician and marksmanship instructor. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Ray returned to Illinois and attended law school at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He graduated summa cum laude and went on to have a successful law career in Springfield and St. Louis as a medical malpractice attorney.

Known for his tough, outspoken demeanor, those who knew him best remember his storytelling of and love for his children. Through his life, he discovered a fondness for creating divots in golf courses throughout Illinois and Missouri, and could regularly be seen reading a book, doing a crossword puzzle, or watching his beloved St. Louis Cardinals play.

Ray is survived by three sisters, Joyce (Terry) Traub of Carrollton, Jane (Scooter) Jackson of Jerseyville, Jean (K.C.) Lynch of Tallahassee, Fla.; a brother, Robert (Martha) Alexander of Jerseyville; his children, Gene (Tara) Alexander of Pleasant Plains; Ben (Melissa) Alexander of Mesa, Ariz.; Andrea Alexander of Hamel, and Kate Alexander of Denver, Colo.; and five grandchildren. 

Ray was preceded in death by his parents.