R.L."Bear" Alexander of Plainview, TX, passed away on May 5, 2025, in Plainview, TX. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Bartley Memorial Chapel. A Funeral service will take place Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Harvest Christian Fellowship of Plainview with Pastor Michael White officiating and Elder Herman Moore presenting the Eulogy. Burial will follow at Plainview Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the supervision of Bartley Funeral Home of Plainview.

R.L. Alexander was born on January 26, 1937, to Edward Alexander and Ethel Brewster Alexander.

R.L. was raised in the Baptist faith and was a lifelong resident of Plainview. He spent most of his adult life working in maintenance at a gas company, where he became the first African American to be hired. He enjoyed shooting pool and spending quality time with family and friends. He had a passion for playing dominoes and card games, especially spades. A dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan, he made sure to spoil all his children, especially his grandchildren.

R.L. is preceded in death by his first wife, Mildred Alexander; his parents, Edward Alexander and Ethel Alexander; his daughter, Tonya Clardy; his sisters, Mattie Alexander, Eleanor Bishop, Gertrude Samuels, Vacy Hamilton, Glorine Holland Collier, and Ethel Williams; his brothers, Edward Alexander, ZD Alexander, and Gabriel Alexander.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Virginia Clardy of Plainview, TX; his sister, Ora Green of Plainview, TX; his children, Jeanette Alexander of Plainview, TX, Robert Alexander of Lubbock, TX, Anthony Alexander of Plainview, TX, and Erica Perkins of San Antonio, TX, Gwen Ross (Sidney) of Grand Prairie, TX, Mitchell Clardy (Kay) of Arlington, TX, Clifford (Boo) Clardy, Matthew Clardy, and Chris Clardy all of Amarillo, TX, and Ricky Clardy of Quitaque, TX; Thiry-one grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.