A.J. Schexnayder III

Alcest Joseph Schexnayder III, better known as A.J. and Buddy (affectionately nick named by his mother at a young age), was born in Opelousas, Louisiana on June 15, 1932 to Alcest Joseph Schexnayder, II and Nellie Cecelia Joseph. His early years were spent in Jackson, Mississippi with his parents and sister, later moving to New Orleans, Louisiana in his teens. He attended Warren Easton High School in New Orleans where his love of art was first nurtured by the encouragement of his high school art teacher.

After high school, A.J. enrolled at Louisiana State University but changed course when he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in January 1952. He was stationed at Keesler Air Force base before deploying to Korea where he spent a year serving as a Control Tower Operator. He was honorably discharged from the U. S. Air Force in January 1956 as a Staff Sergeant. He went on to further training for his career in Air Traffic Control retiring as an ATC Supervisor in 1983.

A.J. met his wife Joyce Fasone Schexnayder during their high school years in New Orleans. They married on October 24, 1953 and spent 75 years together in total. They began their young family in their home town of New Orleans. The FAA transferred A.J. to The Center (in-flight air traffic) at Houston Intercontinental Airport in June 1965 where he remained until retirement. A.J. and Joyce built their home in the Champions neighborhood in northwest Houston in December 1966 where they remained for 59 years. They are founding members of Prince of Peace Catholic Community where A. J. was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Both were very active in their church community.

While working for the FAA, A.J. continued to pursue his love of art, painting in all mediums eventually focusing on his favorite and most loved – watercolor. He began teaching in his home in the early 1970’s eventually moving to area art studios. The classes of 12-15 students twice a week were in high demand, there was always a waiting list to gain entry which was difficult because students rarely left. Some attended class for more than 15 years. With a teaching career spanning over 50 years, his expert knowledge, insight and teaching skills instructed, encouraged and supported his students in the development of their own art skills. A.J. taught continuously until COVID closed the art studio and then after to a smaller group at his home until September 2024.

A. J. studied at the New Orleans Academy of Art and John McCrady Art School in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was a sought-after teacher, lecturer, and juror. A. J. had an accomplished, award winning career. He was awarded Signature Membership status in both the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society, a prestigious recognition only offered to select artists. He created works in the mediums of watercolor, acrylic, pencil, pen and ink, egg tempera, and oil, as well as etchings. In addition to holding memberships in several regional and national art associations, he was an early, active member of the Watercolor Art Society Houston (WAS-H). He served as President of WAS-H during the organization's early years and was instrumental in the purchase of the property of its current location in Houston, Texas.

A. J. was known for his sense of humor. He was likely to wish you “Merry Christmas” no matter what time of year it was. He always had a smile and quick witted comments or a humorous line to add to most any conversation.

A. J. and Joyce raised two daughters both of whom followed in his footsteps pursuing their own art careers .He was a guiding force for them, always the encourager, supporter and biggest cheerleader for all things his daughters sought to try and do with kind, gentle guidance and never a harsh word. He was the ultimate father, teacher and mentor.

A. J. is survived by his wife Joyce Schexnayder of 72 years, daughter Diana Waguespack, husband Gene; daughter Jan Stephenson, husband Brian; grandchildren Tom Waguespack, wife Dia; Lisa Waguespack; Christine Stephenson, husband Trevor; Scott Stephenson, wife Grace; great grandchildren Trevi, Nash, Calvin and Elise. He is predeceased by his father Alcest Joseph Schexnayder II, mother Nellie Cecelia Joseph, and sister Joyce Valentine Martello.

The resounding sentiments about A.J. from those who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him are always expressed as how nice, kind and talented he was. He was a remarkable man who has left a legacy of love, kindness and incredible talents that will be cherished for years to come.

Visitation will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 19222 TX-249, Houston, TX 77070, US, on May 28, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on May 28, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Reception to follow from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on May 28, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.