November 25, 1987 ~ January 2, 2026 (age 38)
Brandon Alexander “Alex” Riegel, 38, of Opelika, AL passed away on January 2, 2026 after a brief illness.
Alex was born on November 25, 1987 in Mobile, AL. He was the youngest of three boys and lived in Atmore, AL, and Poinciana, Florida until moving to Opelika, AL at age 12. He proudly graduated from Opelika High school in 2006 and spent the next 20 years as his Dad’s riding buddy as they traveled the country as over the road truckers.
Having been born with Fragile X Syndrome, Alex overcame many obstacles and lived a happy and meaningful life. He had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger and was a joy to all who knew him. He was a spectacular Gin Rummy player and was almost unbeatable. Alex found joy in life and was known for his nightly phone calls to relatives where he would inquire about the wellbeing of everybody he could think of. He was a loving soul and gave the best hugs. The world was a brighter place with Alex in it and he will be fondly remembered and terribly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Alex was predeceased by his grandmothers, Jeanette Elliott and Polly Harphant. He leaves behind his parents, Eddie Riegel and Cindy Black, brothers, Chris Black (Hope )and Hunter Black (Melissa), nephews, Christopher and Skyler Black, and Ben Bridges Black and nieces Summer and Autumn Black along with many friends and relatives.
Funeral Services will be held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika with visitation at 1:00 and services in the chapel at 2:00 followed by a brief graveside service at Garden Hills Cemetery.
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