Alexander Joseph Debay Sr.

Alex Debay Sr, entrepreneur, father, passed away at his Fort Myers, FL home due to complications from his 2-year battle with blood cancer at 70 years old on Friday, September 24, 2021. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Anthony Debay and Alice Blatty. The family moved to Livonia, MI in 1965, where he lived out most of his adult life. Alex is survived by his 4 children, Christy McLucas, Alex Debay Jr, Nick Debay, and Christian Debay, his 3 siblings, John Debay, Mike Debay, and Bernadette Debay, his special friends, Lorie Nance and Brenda West, his grandkids, Jackson and Beckman, and his nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his oldest brother, George Debay.

Alex made his mark on the world in many ways, he was a dynamic businessman. After being employed for almost 15 years at Detroit Diesel, he decided to strike out on his own. He spent the rest of his life running a wide array of businesses that reflected his range of knowledge and talents. Alex owned a collision shop and a towing company. He was a jeweler, a real estate agent and investor. Alex owned 2 family entertainment centers – Prehistoric Forest and Mystery Hill, a bar and restaurant, a freight line, a gravel hauling company, and a video slot machine arcade. Alex, maybe most fitting, was a handyman. He did it all. Alex had a passion for creative ventures that allowed him to serve people and provide for his family. The only career Alex wished he got around to was playing on the PGA Senior Tour!

Along with all the various hats Alex wore in his career, he had many other interests and passions. He was an avid golfer – and always had a cool “new swing” to show off; Alex was very into fashion – watches, hats and golf ensembles. He loved vintage cars and reading crime thrillers, shooting a game of pool, cooking up some spaghetti and grilling steaks for his family, listening to music from the 50s and 60s (the good stuff), but mostly, Alex was on the course!

Although Alex took pride in being a great businessman and having the best swing on the course, all areas of life paled in comparison to his desire to be a great Dad, and that he was. To his kids, he was a source of wisdom, encouragement, a refuge – a shoulder to cry on and someone that could kick you in the butt and remind you of how capable you truly are. Beyond his family, Alex touched the lives of anyone who knew him. He was a sweet, kind soul, full of wit, humor and love – to know Alex, was to know his heart. Along with his more tender side, he was also irreverent and bold when it came to standing by his deepest held convictions.

Alex loved and was loved. He will be dearly missed, but we will be sustained by the memories of the countless ways he touched our lives. Until we meet again.

Join us in celebrating his life at Manns Family Funeral Home at 17000 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia, MI 48154, on October 8th and 9th

Friday, 10/8/21 – 4-8pm – Open Viewing
Saturday, 10/9/21 – 12pm-2pm – Open Viewing and Prayer Service

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alex’s favorite charities: The Disabled American Veterans organization (www.ihelpveterans.org/) – he was a patriot – and Boys Town (www.boystown.org) – he loved helping distressed children and playing the classic film at holiday gatherings.