Alexander Augustine Binns was born on June 28, 1926 in Kingston, Jamaica and transitioned into eternal life on December 29, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina at the age of 91.

Popularly known as “Britisher” to his colleagues, Alexander was a former Fire Chief of the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC). He began his firefighting career in 1943 at age 17 and rose through the ranks to Chief. Vastly experienced in the modern techniques of firefighting, he gained a Fire Service Scholarship and went to the United Kingdom to study operational management.  On his return to Jamaica, he also successfully completed a course in Administrative Management at the Extra-Mural Department of the University College of the West Indies. In March 1970 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace (Lay Magistrate), and in August 1976 he was awarded the Order of Distinction in recognition of outstanding and important services to the Fire Brigade. Alexander retired from the KSAC Fire Department on March 28, 1978 after 34 years of service and entered a new career in the housing construction industry where he remained for many years.  

On June 14, 1950, Alexander married Dorothy May Wisdom and they recently celebrated 67 years of marriage.  They were members of St. George’s Church in Kingston, Jamaica until they migrated from the island to Columbia, SC, where he continued to enjoy his family and made new friends.

Al was an excellent cook and took great pride in preparing specialty dishes for friends and family.  Although he was allergic to shellfish, he loved to cook it for others, especially his curried lobster dish. It always turned out perfect, knowing that if he tasted it, he would have an unpleasant reaction. Al was known for his zest for life and he was a true friend to all.

He leaves behind a devoted and loving wife, Dorothy; children Marcia Perdue, Scherilyn (Bill) Gunter, Charmaine McKetty, Richard (Michelle) Binns, and Maxine Lothian.  Survivors also include his sister, Lastenia (Carlton) Davis and her children Garth and Stephen Miller; brother, Wendell (Dianne) Davis and their children Paul and Kelley; grandchildren, Kimberly Perdue, Michelle Perdue, Cinque (Awaka) McKetty, Camara McKetty, Briana Binns, and Robert and Christopher Lothian; great-grandchildren, Kaaliyah, Robert, Karina, Tyler, Marquez and Cameron; and relatives and friends. Alexander was predeceased by his mother and step-father, Maud and Martin Davis; grandson Warren Lewis; and sister, June Edwards.