Alexander G. Stavrakis, age 38, of Elberta, AL, passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021.

Alex was born in Pensacola, Florida on April 4, 1983. He was raised in Gulf Breeze, Florida, attended Gulf Breeze High School, and graduated in 2002.  Alex attended Pensacola Junior College and was honored on the Dean's List for exceptional academic performance in 2006.  Beyond his earlier years he was driven and very much successful in his career path, social endeavors, and his hobbies.  He lived fully with a brilliant mind, an infectious smile, and boundless energy. Wise beyond his years and encompassing a never-ending thirst for knowledge, Alex found a way to channel his energy and brilliance to support his lifestyle, his business, and his passions. He set no limitations on himself or the possibilities he could envision.  If Alex saw himself doing it, it was going to be done and done beyond well.

At the time of his departing Alex was sole Owner and President of Southwind Builders, LLC, a company that under his hands-on management grew and became well known for excellence in home building and restoration.  Many a home in the greater Pensacola area and neighboring Gulf Coast communities bear the imprint of his talent and carpentry expertise.  As his career progressed, he developed professional and personal friendships, bonding with mentors that not only enhanced his business acumen and perfected his skills but fulfilled his life beyond measure. So many of his clients and business contacts became friends because he was a man of his word, was honest, and aimed to provide "the best" product and service around. His crews were loyal and hard working.  Alex poured his heart and soul into helping his team learn, improve, and grow daily.  Their dedication proving that he was not only successful in building homes, but he also helped build his team's future.

He was very passionate about the things he loved and pursued those passions with an open throttle. Alex immersed himself in each exploit far beyond fandom and sought to reach the level of authority on every subject. His love of riding motorcycles and dirt bikes encouraged him to learn how to build them and therefore continued his interest in all things motorized. Alex's love for the ocean fueled his passion for fishing, diving, and boating.  This led him to travel to places like Key West, the Bahamas, Venice, LA, the Dry Tortugas, and Guatemala. The friendships and associations he forged through being a mariner were deep and meaningful to his life.

Alex shared his life with Christina Dawson and her family for the past 8 years. They enjoyed
traveling and saltwater adventures together for the first 5 years they were together.  Christina was Alex's muse into the equestrian world and in 2017 they bought their first horse. His seaman's heart turned to land lover as he discovered a fulfilling connection and spiritual bond among horses.  When the saltwater life had reached its peak and with a new passion brewing, they sold the boat and in 2018 settled on 20 acres in Elberta, Alabama.  With the kids, their horses, dogs, and backyard ducks in tow, their next journey began.  They continued their life together staged by a heavenly rural backdrop and they built their equestrian paradise on this land.  Over the next 3 years, Alex became an accomplished horseman with the guiding hands of many kindred mentors and the support of the associated community of horsemen and women. In recent years, Alex was successfully competing within the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), Ranch Sorting National Championships (RSNC), and other regional associations.  Alex and Christina shared their passion for their horses and their equine community heart and soul. It is here that Alex shined his brightest and it is here that we will always remember him.

Alex is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, John G. Bookout and Martha H. Bookout; step grandmother, Betty K. Johnson, step grandfather, Thomas C. Johnson and birth father Alan G. Stavrakis.

Those left to cherish his memory include, his mother & stepfather,  Julie B. Johnson and Bruce A. Johnson, of Gulf Breeze, FL; a brother, Zachary Stavrakis,  of Gulf Breeze, FL.; The precious woman who stood by his side, Christina Dawson, her children, Trenton Dawson, of Elberta, AL and Kendall Spencer, of Orlando, FL., and her parents, Adrian & Jeannie Lowndes of Milton, FL; several aunts and uncles survive, Jana B. Edgington (Steve), of Charleston SC,  Janet B. Stirrat (Len), of Havana, FL, Tommy Johnson (Barbara), of Pensacola, FL,  Bonnie Huggins (Rick),  of Gulf Breeze, FL and Dan Johnson, of Pensacola FL;  several cousins also survive,  Ashlen Pagano (Josh), of Charleston S.C.,  Victoria Edgington, of Charleston, S.C.,  Tyler Stirrat (Ashleigh), of Tallahassee, FL and Martha Stirrat, of St. Augustine, FL,  Brian McLeod (Jessica), of Navarre, FL, Brandon McLeod, of Jacksonville, FL,  Laura Vazzana (Nick), of Pensacola, FL, and Stephen Johnson (Brittany), of Sterling, VA, Chris Johnson (Kristen) of Pensacola, FL, Carl Johnson of Dahlonega, GA.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to, Matthew & Melinda Baransy & family, Greg & Gwen Block, Paul & Cookie Burkhardt, Al & Diane Cheney, Josh Deason, Sam & Erin Kirk, Brett & Jennifer Smith & family, John & Karen Stenicka & family, Ricky & Becky Wiggins, and the hardworking crew of Southwind Builders, LLC.

You all blessed Alex with your direction, encouragement, involvement, and belief in his incredible drive.

Grateful appreciation is extended to all of Alex's network, whether business associate or friend, you were all part of his light.  Thank you!

Although Alex is gone, we will forever be so proud and grateful for the journey he navigated and for the fullness of his life.  Alex was saved as a young boy, and we were always assured that the Lord was ever watching over him.  Alex's love of animals and nature, his zeal to begin each new day before dawn, his talents well utilized, and his compassion for others in need were living proof of his faith in action.  Thank you, Lord, for the wonder of your creation and the man that was Alexander G. Stavrakis.

A memorial service to honor the life of Alexander G. Stavrakis will be held at 12:30 pm on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel, with Dr. Steve Edgington, Minister, delivering a message of hope. The family will receive friends from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm prior to the service on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to;

Panhandle Equine Rescue

In Memory of Alex Stavrakis

3099 E. Chipper Rd.

Cantonment, FL 32533

-or-

The Salvation Army in your local area.