R. Wayne Alexander

R. Wayne Alexander, 79, of Valdosta, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Langdale Hospice House. He was born in Chattooga County, Georgia on April 29, 1943, to the late Rowland and Montyne Street Alexander. Growing up in Summerville, Wayne graduated from Chattooga High School and then joined the United States Army. Upon his return from active duty, he attended Southern Polytechnic College in Kennesaw where he studied Civil Engineering.

He was later introduced to the former Barbara Jean Saliba. Their first date was at a square dance in Atlanta, and the rest is history. They were married on September 18, 1965, at Christ Episcopal Church Valdosta, and they would spend the next 56 years together.

The Alexanders moved to Valdosta, and he began a career in concrete and construction. In the early 1970’s he founded R W Alexander Contractors, Inc. Over the next 40 years, Wayne built railroad tracks and crossings throughout the Southeastern United States. In 2018, he sold the business to longtime associate, Justin Roberts. Wayne continued with the company as a consultant for several years.

Wayne enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling with friends, working on his farm, raising cattle, and looking after his horses. Along with his late son, Bubba, a competitive horseman, he enjoyed the “Cowboy” culture and attended rodeo events throughout the country. He also enjoyed developing a neighborhood on the river in Darien, building a home there, and building another on a farm in Ty Ty. He loved spending time at the family lake house at Lake Octahatchee where he served on the Lake Octahatchee Club Board of Directors.

Wayne will be remembered as a kind, generous hearted man who cared deeply for his family and community. Although he was a wonderful husband, father, friend, and businessman, his greatest title was “WaynerPop”, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, Mary Alex and Davis. His greatest joy was spending quality time with them and watching them grow into adulthood.

He was a longtime member and elder of First Christian Church of Valdosta. Wayne was initiated into the Order of Elks on August 30, 1969, at Valdosta Lodge #728 and was a Life Member.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Barbara Saliba Alexander; his daughter, Amy Alexander Carter (Mike Davis); two grandchildren, Mary Alexander Carter and Davis Lanier Carter, all of Valdosta. He also leaves his adopted family, Justin and Laurie Roberts and their children, Addy and Pierce Roberts; and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and special friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Rowland Wayne (Bubba) Alexander, Jr., his parents, his two sisters, Betty A. Alexander and Mary Odessa Davis, and several sisters- and brothers-in-law.

The funeral for Wayne will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Carson McLane Funeral Home. Rev. Mike Davis will officiate. A private burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5 until 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the R. Wayne “Bubba” Alexander Memorial Scholarship Fund at www.bascholarship.org or PO Box 2224, Valdosta, GA 31604. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com, the service will also be streamed and is available on the tribute wall of the obituary.

Carson McLane Funeral Home