Bill Alexander (American politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Alexander
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| House Democratic Chief Deputy Whip | |
| In office January 3, 1981 – January 3, 1987 |
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| Leader | Tip O'Neill |
| Preceded by | Dan Rostenkowski |
| Succeeded by | David Bonior |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Arkansas's 1st district |
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| In office January 3, 1969 – January 3, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Ezekiel C. Gathings |
| Succeeded by | Blanche Lincoln |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Vollie Alexander Jr.
January 16, 1934 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Gwen Haven Alexander Debi Drury Alexander |
| Education | University of Arkansas Rhodes College (BA) Vanderbilt University (LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1953–1955 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | J.A.G. Corps |
William Vollie Alexander Jr. (born January 16, 1934) is a retired American politician. He represented the state of Arkansas in the United States House of Representatives for many years. He served in Congress from 1969 to 1993. During his time there, he became a very important leader, reaching the position of Chief Deputy Majority Whip.
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Early Life and Education
William Alexander Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in Osceola, Arkansas. He finished high school in Osceola in 1951. In the same year, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
He went to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Southwestern at Memphis University in 1957. This school is now known as Rhodes College. In 1960, he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville.
His Career Journey
After finishing law school, William Alexander Jr. worked for a judge. He also served in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. This part of the Army provides legal services.
Working as a Lawyer
Mr. Alexander worked as a lawyer in Memphis and Osceola. He also helped with important projects in Arkansas. He was a commissioner on the Arkansas Waterways Commission. This group helps manage the state's rivers and water systems. He also served as secretary of the Osceola Port Authority. This group helps manage the port in Osceola.
Serving in Congress
In 1968, William Alexander Jr. was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He represented Arkansas's 1st congressional district. He took over from Ezekiel C. "Took" Gathings, who had served for 30 years. Mr. Alexander was reelected 11 more times, serving a total of 24 years.
In the House, he became a leader for the Democratic Party. From 1981 to 1987, he was the Chief Deputy Majority Whip. This role helps make sure party members vote together on important issues. He was also a member of the United States House Committee on Appropriations. This committee decides how the government spends money. He worked on issues related to farming, energy, and trade with other countries.
In 1992, he was defeated in his bid for re-election. Blanche Lambert, who had worked for him, won the election instead.
Life After Congress
Today, William Alexander Jr. and his wife, Debi Alexander, live in Reston, Virginia. They have two children, William Phillips Alexander and Ashely Semmes Alexander.
