William Henderson Dexter Jr.

William Henderson Dexter Jr. 10/18/1941 - 2/11/2023
William Henderson Dexter, Jr. passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his
family, on February 11, 2023. Bill was born October 18, 1941, to William
Henderson Dexter, Sr. and Margaret Russell Beddow Dexter. He grew up in
Birmingham, Alabama. Bill graduated from The Citadel, the Military College of
South Carolina, in 1963. After graduating, he was commissioned into the Air
Force. After serving two tours in Vietnam, he returned to Birmingham. His mother
and sister introduced him to Penelope Phillips in 1968, and they were engaged six
months later. They were married at Independent Presbyterian Church in 1969, and
were happily married until Penny’s death in 2000.
After working for General Electric and Drummond Coal Company, Bill and
Andrew Fortson started Dexter Fortson Associates, Incorporated (DFA) in 1982,
“in response to the service needs in the utility, manufacturing, and coal mining
industries.” In 1983, DFA expanded into electronic research and development, and
Bill designed the programmable Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), which is the basis
for The DFA Radio Telemetry/SCADA Monitor and Control System, which is
installed across the United States in water, wastewater, natural gas, electrical,
environmental, industrial, and irrigation applications.

Bill was a quiet man, but had an adventurous and jovial spirit. He flew planes,
sailed boats, and loved swimming and biking. All who knew him well can attest to
his ability to tell a great story. His love language was definitely acts of service, as
he would help others with no need for recognition. He was loyal to his friends and
family, and had firm opinions about doing what was right. He was a true and
steady friend, and a loving husband and father.
Bill is survived by his daughters Andrea Dexter Smith (David), Jennifer Dexter
Redmond (Shawn), Lauren Dexter Richards (Mark); granddaughters Willa
Katherine Redmond and Stella Penelope Richards; sister Helen Dexter McDavid,
and brother Roderick Beddow Dexter.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, February 17, 2023,
at 2:00 PM at Independent Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may
be made to The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs, 1700 29th Court
South, Birmingham, Alabama 35209, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Cremation Center of Birmingham (205) 970-6886