Dr. Shawn Raynard Alexander, a much-cherished individual known for his kind, humorous and loving personality, left us on August 21, 2024. Born on March 24, 1968, Shawn lived a life filled with an extraordinary passion of caring and service towards others.

Shawn is survived by his parents, Dr. Betty and Mr. Reginald Alexander; his brother, Joseph Alexander (Nathel); his nephew, Houston Alexander (Janelle); his niece, Orianna Alexander; and his great-nephew and great-niece, Dominique and Giselle Alexander, respectively. Shawn's departure leaves an unfillable void in their lives, yet they find comfort in the wonderful memories and unmeasurable love they shared.

Shawn graduated from Carver High School in Winston-Salem in 1986 where he was a member of several clubs and societies. Shawn was academically gifted and was a life-long learner.

Shawn attended Wake Forest University in 1986 and graduated with a BS in Biology in 1990. Later, he attended Winston-Salem State University from 1990-1992 and received a BS in Medical Technology. From 1991-1992 he earned his Graduate Certification in Clinical Laboratory Science from Duke University then he entered medical school in 1992 earning his MD-Medicine from East Carolina University School of Medicine in 1996. Dr. Shawn continued his education at East Carolina School of Medicine from 1996-2000, completing his Post Graduate Medical Training/Residency in Internal Medicine/Pediatrics. Later he continued his education by earning an MBA: Health Administration from 2001-2002 at East Carolina University School of Business.

Dr. Shawn worked throughout NC, GA, VA and travelled as far as Honolulu, Hawaii to provide well-rounded care to patients. Dr. Shawn worked as a physician and hospitalist at several medical facilities, but he was most passionate about working at Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hampton, Virginia. Dr. Shawn began working at Hampton VAMC in 2009 as the lead hospitalist. Dr. Shawn established and maintained productive working relationships:  swiftly advancing to Assistant Chief of Medicine Service; followed by Chief of Medicine Service; and ultimately becoming Chief of Staff.

Shawn travelled far and wide. To say he loved to travel is an understatement. His most recent trips included Australia and New Zealand but it doesn't stop there.  Shawn visited Tasmania, China, Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, The Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, Russia, Curacao and several road trips to New York and DC to enjoy theater.

Because of his unwavering dedication to his profession and his colleagues, Dr. Shawn postponed traveling this past year.

Our Shawn was a beacon of light, exhibiting love and kindness to all who knew him. His impact will forever reside in our hearts. As we continue to make sense of losing Shawn too soon, we find solace and comfort in knowing Shawn's spirit will continue to shine through all of us.

Shawn was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Howard I. and Bernice Alexander formerly of Winston-Salem, NC; and his maternal grandparents, Addie Ruth Acey formerly of Winston-Salem, NC and Joe G. Acey formerly of Birmingham, AL.

Shawn leaves behind a host of close family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances; a Goddaughter, Taylor Ivy; and a dear friend, Dr. Charles E. Wilson, Jr… All that knew him, loved him.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, September 6, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:30pm Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 1730 Link Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103, 336-722-7001.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 2:00pm until 2:30pm on Saturday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Shawn's memory may contribute to a scholarship established for students in the medical field at The Winston-Salem Foundation, 751 West Fourth Street, Suite 200, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 with a designation to the Shawn Raynard Alexander, MD Memorial Fund. https://wsfoundation.org/sra

Shawn left this earth too soon, but the impact he left on others will live on forever.