ROANOKE—The Rev. Eric Richard Alexie Sr., 91, died Oct. 4, 2007.

Mr. Alexie

was born in Massachusetts. His mother was Finnish and his father was born in Russia to Swedish parents.

His parents immigrated to the United States in 1935. He was immersed in different languages during his young life, and was proud that he spoke at least five different languages.

He was a member of Mensa. He was an avid sportsman in high school and college (New Hampshire College) but his college was interrupted by World War II.

He served in the U.S. Army and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He later graduated from the College of William & Mary. He became a Methodist minister and served churches in Ford, Surry, Emporia, Jarratt, Isle of Wight, Chesapeake and Roanoke.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Vera Mae Davis Alexie this past August.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Eric Jr. and Sharon Alexie and his step-granddaughter, Morgan Brooks, all of Roanoke.

Services was held in Raleigh Court United Methodist Church Monday. The Revs. Barry Foster and Roy Miller will officiate.

Interment was in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Dr. M. Douglas Newman officiated.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Raleigh Court United Methodist Church Foundation, 1706 Grandin Road S.W., Roanoke, VA 24015.