Joseph Crisler "Cris" Alexander

Joseph Crisler "Cris" Alexander, age 56, passed away early Friday morning at Brakebill Nursing Home, Knoxville, TN. He is survived by his mother Bonnie Alexander, his brother Sid Alexander, his niece Maddy Alexander, and his nephew Jace Alexander, all from Knoxville TN. Born with Down Syndrome, Cris defeated the odds by learning to read and write at an early age. His love for sports continued to increase his level for learning, in particular his knowledge about Tennessee football. Ask Cris anything about the "Orange and White" and he would quote any statistic, on any game at any time! His talent didn't stop there...at age 35, Cris won first place in the State Special Olympics in Bowling. During that time he had an average of 182! He enjoyed bowling with the Super Cats Bowling League of Kingsport TN for 22 years. His knowledge of life continued to grow and his love for others was contagious. Under the Supported Employee Program at Dawn of Hope in Johnson City, Cris became an employee of Hardee's in Colonial Heights in Kingsport, TN. (and later in Morristown, TN.) where he was loved by many. His participation in Special Olympics events included swimming, bowling and field events. He was a member of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church as well as a Sunday School Class for Special Needs at Baptist Temple, both in Kingsport TN. The number of lives touched by Cris is immeasurable. His physical body may have been weak, his mind challenged in keeping up with our standards. His soul, however, was purer than most can begin to comprehend. For rare is the soul that is forever loving, forever gentle and forever kind (except when you tried to take away his strawberry shortcake). For those of us blessed enough to have Cris in our lives, we are forever changed. Thank you, Cris, for being the example of love we all strive to be. Be sure to tell Joe we all said "Go Vols!" A Funeral service honoring Cris's life will be held 2pm Sunday at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, TN with Rev. J. Thomas Phillips officiating. Interment to follow at Tri-City Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends from 1 -2pm Sunday at the Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com

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Joseph Crisler "Cris" Alexander

December 30, 1954 - November 25, 2011