Alexander "Alex" Fyffe Brandau, III.

Alexander Fyffe Brandau III

April 21, 1947- February 12, 2025

Alexander Fyffe Brandau III, Alex, or Sonny, as he lovingly was known by friends and family, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Nashville, TN. Alex was born in Knoxville, TN, and was the 4th Great Grandson of James White, the Founder of Knoxville.

Alex was the youngest child of Alexander Fyffe Brandau II and Dorothy Lillian Armstrong Brandau. He was preceded in death by his older siblings, Dorothy Patterson and L.S. “Buddy” Brandau. Survived by his wife, Linda Hawkins Edwards Brandau, his son, Alexander F. Brandau IV (Elizabeth), and grandchildren, Abby, Palmer, Tucker, and Teddy; and his daughter, Lanier Brandau Day (Sean) and granddaughter, Isabella. Alex also shared a special bond with his nephews, nieces, and many extended family members near and far.

Alex was devoted to his family and loved being the family historian and storyteller. One of his greatest accomplishments was fulfilling his lifelong dream of saving and restoring The Colonel John Williams House on Dandridge Avenue, in Knoxville, alongside the help of his nephew, Michael Brandau. Alex also authored The Horseshoe Colonel, detailing the untold story of his ancestor, Colonel John Williams, who was a U.S. Senator, TN Attorney General, and was Andrew Jackson’s greatest rival. Alex also preserved and restored the family heirloom and one of the nation’s oldest surviving flags, the 200+ year old flag of the 39th Regiment of the U.S. Infantry carried in the War of 1812, which can be viewed at the ETHS in Knoxville. Alex always prided himself on remembering and honoring those before him and carrying their values, love, and stories forward into future generations. Alex was often heard encouraging the next generation to lead with love and never give up.

Alex was a graduate of South High School where he made and treasured many lifelong friendships and he excelled with academics, track and cross country, basketball, theatre, and singing in the choir. Alex was an excellent singer and entertainer. His love for music continued throughout his life as he sang in many church choirs and alumni choirs, and he instilled a great appreciation of music in his children.

Alex served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was a sharpshooter.  Upon his return home, he was an advocate and volunteer for fellow veterans.

Alex was a lifelong UT Vols fan and earned his B.S. in Business at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. He was in UT Singers and was a Phi Delt. While at UT, he met his first wife, Jolyn Colley. After graduation, they moved to Nashville, where they raised a loving and happy family and Alex had a successful career as a salesman and Real Estate Broker. For the last years of Alex’s life he was married to Linda and they had nine happy years together.

Alex was loved by many and is dearly missed. No matter what obstacles or conflicts arose, Alex always persevered and put his best foot forward in love and service to others and his country. Please join his family in celebrating a life well lived and his heavenly homecoming.

The military burial will be held Friday, Feb 28th at 11 am at the Middle TN Veterans Cemetery, followed by a Memorial Service on Sunday, March 2nd at 2PM, at Vine Street Christian Church, with a reception to follow immediately afterward at Vine Street.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.