Terry W. Alexander

Terry “TA” Wayne Alexander, a bold, fearless, driven, smart, larger-than-life, spirited, faithful, accomplished, force-of-nature, beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend peacefully departed this life on August 18, 2025. While Terry’s joy of life for everything and everyone was unparalleled, nothing rose above the love he had for his wife Marian and two daughters Shana and Hayley. He lived up to his name in every facet of his life: “Terry” meaning ruler of the people. A name that conveys strength, leadership, and divine association.

His life’s journey began the day of his birth on December 8, 1956 in Louann, Arkansas to his inspiration and role modelist for life, Alice Teen (Wroten) Alexander. A proud 1975 graduate of Fairview High School, Terry gave his all to his school in the classroom and the football field as a star offensive back with the Fairview High School football team. His high performing nature, even as a teenager, set the stage for his pioneering legacy for years to come.

Upon graduation, Terry attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM). Determined both on and off the football field, in 1975, Terry made history as the first African American student to enroll in the UAM School of Forestry and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Forestry degree in 1980. He carried his leadership skills into his career as a Forester with International Paper Co, where he quickly advanced from Associate Forester to Senior Staff Forester to Supervisor. He played a pivotal role in developing and launching the company’s OMNI wood products operations. That same year, October 25, 1980, he married his “flower” Marian Jacena (Jones) Alexander. In 1982, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Camden Alumni Chapter. He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

In 2001, Terry further expanded his expertise & natural leadership skills once he accepted the role of a lifetime to relocate to the Pacific Northwest to take on one of Weyerhauser’s most high-profile operations as Operations Director for the reclamation of an area devastated by the eruption of Mt. St. Helen’s on May 18, 1980. There, he managed significant portions of the 68,000 acres of Mt. St. Helens Tree Farm owned by Weyerhaeuser Co.

Terry was an active servant wherever he planted his flag. Whether he ministered in the local jails & prisons, walked door-to-door evangelizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, cooked and served full meals at the local shelter, shared an encouraging word to local youth, or made himself available for a friend or family member - Terry was a man of profound faith, discipline, and morality.

Terry was a man of unwavering courage, professionalism, integrity, and a steadfast presence in the lives of those who knew him. As a devoted family man, he showed boundless love and support, consistently putting his loved ones first. He is a role model of trustworthiness and caring while demonstrating what “putting others first” looks like. His loyalty extended beyond family, and he was a true friend, always ready to lend a hand, offer wise counsel, or stand by those in need. With a servant’s heart, Terry was a godly man who lived to better the lives of others, guiding them with wisdom, compassion, and dedication to making the world a better place. Terry embodies strength, compassion, optimism, and authenticity, which made him a remarkable individual in every sense. Terry was and always will be a blessing to the lives of his family, friends, and those who shared the pleasure of knowing him. He seized every opportunity to pour into the lives of others - encouraging them to put their faith in God, God’s will for their lives, and to trust “the process.”

Terry was honored as the 2021 UAM Distinguished Alumnus and had served on the board of directors for the UAM Foundation Fund since 2022.

In recognition of his contributions as a record-setting, NAIA All-American tailback for UAM Football, he was inducted into the UAM Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 as an individual and again in 2019 as part of the 1979 AIC champion football team. He continued to support UAM Athletics, including serving as a vital member of the Athletic Performance Center Campaign Committee for several years, during which time essential support and private funds for the Kenneth H. Hunt Athletic Performance Center were successfully raised. His football jersey number will be retired during the first game of the 2025 season.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Larry G. Alexander, Michael E. Alexander, Frederick T. Alexander, Joseph G. Alexander (Janice), and Bernadette (Otis) Love. He leaves behind to continue this journey and carry the football to his loving wife, Marian Jacena (Jones) Alexander; two daughters, Shana (Andre) Kirkland, and Hayley C. Alexander; three grandchildren, Kalil Cade Kirkland, Elisha Alexander Kirkland, and Alexandria Lane Kirkland; two brothers, Henry Lamar Alexander, Bernard Alexander of Louann, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Submitted by The Alexander Family 

Terry’s services will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The Word Family Church in Camden, Arkansas. Visitation will be Friday, August 29th from 12 noon until 4:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home Van Buren, 119 Van Buren St., Camden Arkansas. The family hour will be from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

The pallbearers will be Kenny Hunt, Donald “Duck” Harris, Darrell McCree, Gary McHenry, Willie Armstrong and Kelvin Johnson, Sr. The honorary pallbearers will be Bernard Alexander, Paxton Jones, David Elliott, Bernard Alexander, Bennie Gaskin, Malvern Gaskin, Phillip Ramey, Benny Lambert, Maurice Gaskin and Gregory Goodwin.