Alexander "AJ" Tyree

Mr. Alexander Tyree Jr., 78, of Gladehill, VA, transitioned from Earth to heaven on October 26, 2025, at Davis & McDaniel Veterans Care Center. He was born on January 12, 1947, in Rocky Mount, VA to the late Alex and Eliza Dudley Tyree. He was preceded in death by one brother, Calvin Tyree, and one son, Blake Lamont Tyree. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 31 years, Rebecca Tyree of the home, and three daughters, Bernadette (Steve) Holland, Wendy Tyree, and one son, Willie Tyree, all of Rocky Mount, VA, and Tina (Brian) Harris of Martinsville, VA. He leaves seven grandchildren: Jasmine Tyree, Steve (Tara) Holland, Krista Stanfield, Alexis Stanfield, Anson Stanfield, Hailey Harris, and Isaiah Harris, and four great-grandchildren.

He also leaves four sisters: Betty (Eddie) Spurlock of Roanoke, VA, Lillie (Paul) Mattox, Freda (Donnie) Mattox, both of Rocky Mount, VA; and Joyce (David) Taylor of Wirtz, VA; and two brothers: Frank D. (Annie) Tyree and Charlie Tyree of Rocky Mount, VA. One aunt, Nannie Stanley of Rocky Mount, VA, and one uncle, Billy (Betty) Tyree of Warren, OH and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Alexander also leaves to cherish his memory a special son, Mark A. Stanfield of Rocky Mount, VA.

Alexander graduated from Lee M. Waid High School in the class of 1965. He was drafted into the army and served in the Vietnam War. He returned from the army after two and a half years. Upon returning home, he became the first Black police officer to serve in the town of Rocky Mount, VA. He served on the usher board and parking detail at Greater New Bethel Apostolic Church and then served on the security detail at Jerusalem Way of the Cross Church. 

Known affectionately as "Tex", he excelled in a variety of roles. He worked for Hairston Paving Company, Davis H. Elliott Powerline Company, and Scott’s Towing, worked 21 years at VDOT, and was a school bus driver for Franklin County Public Schools before his health declined.

AJ will be remembered mostly because he never met a stranger and always had a funny joke to tell. AJ will truly be missed.