Alex was born in Wetumpka, Ala., March 4, 1936, to the late Johnny Mae Smith-Favors and Alex Favors Sr.

Alex was blessed with a large and loving family. He was known to many people throughout the city of Youngstown, for many of whom he became a mentor and friend over his lifetime. To most of his family and friends, he was known as “Sonny.” He loved sports, especially baseball, where his favorite team was the Cleveland Indians. He was also a devoted Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Browns fan.

Alex worked for US Concrete for 33 years before retiring in January 1998. After retirement, he worked as a caretaker in Mill Creek MetroPark for 20 years before retiring again in 2018.

He was a member of Mount Gilead Baptist Church for 48 years, serving as chairman of the deacon board and singing in the male chorus.

“Sonny” loved being outdoors and enjoyed fishing whenever he had time. He often planted a large garden in summer filled with collard greens, tomatoes, squash and peppers. His passion was spending time with his family and friends. He relished his role as “Grampa” and would travel often to spend time with and support his grandchildren in sports activities, recitals, performances, graduations and various other activities. He enjoyed getting up early weekday mornings to have coffee and long conversations with friends who became family at the “coffee house.”

He leaves to mourn his passing, but to rejoice in his eternal peace, his wife of 45 years, Theola Favors; his children, Linda Bradford, Lindsey Favors and Lonnie Sheppard-Favors of Chicago, his daughter and caretaker, KaTrina (Edward) Walker of Akron, Linda Davis and Brenda Peace both of Youngstown; Kimberly Williams of Roanoke, Ind. and Christopher (Coronica) Williams of Chester, S.C.; 28 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Besides his parents, Alex was preceded in death by his son, Lawrence Favors; his grandson, Wayne Favors; and his siblings, AC Favors, John Henry Favors, Mary Katherine Favors, Willie Mae Sims and Inez Neely.

Viewing will be Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Mount Gilead Baptist Church, 2821 Hillman St. Youngstown, OH 44507. We request that guests wear a mask, adhere to social distancing guidelines and respect the boundaries of others.

Private services will be held for immediate family only following the viewing hour. As much as we cherish your love and support, please respect the family by avoiding physical contact. Arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)