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 on January 16, 1934, is an American retired politician. He served as a representative for the state of Arkansas in the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of Congress from 1969 to 1993. During his time in the House, he became a key leader, serving as the 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, where he finished high school in 1951. In the same year, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America.
He attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Southwestern at Memphis University in 1957. This university is now known as Rhodes College. In 1960, he received his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Vanderbilt University Law School in Nashville.
Career in Law and Public Service
After finishing law school, Alexander worked as a law clerk for Judge Marion S. Boyd. A law clerk helps a judge with research and writing. He also served in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. This is a group of lawyers who work for the U.S. Army.
Alexander practiced law in Memphis and Osceola. He also held important roles in public service. He was a commissioner on the Arkansas Waterways Commission. This group helps manage the state's water systems. He also served as secretary of the Osceola Port Authority, which oversees the local port.
Serving in Congress
In 1968, William Alexander was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He represented Arkansas's 1st congressional district as a Democrat. He took over from Ezekiel C. Gathings, who had served for 30 years. Alexander was re-elected eleven 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 involves helping to organize votes and ensure party members support important bills. He was also a member of the House Appropriations Committee. This committee is very important because it decides how the government's money is spent. Alexander focused on issues related to farming, energy, and international trade.
End of Congressional Career
In 1992, Alexander faced a challenging election. He was defeated in his bid for re-nomination by Blanche Lambert. Blanche Lambert had previously worked as a staff assistant for Alexander. She went on to win the general election in November.
Life After Congress
After leaving Congress, William Alexander retired from public office. He and his wife, Debi Alexander, live in Reston, Virginia. They have two children, William Phillips Alexander and Ashely Semmes Alexander.
