Not one to be content with the way everybody else does things, Alexander "Alex" Luke Stungis unexpectedly danced into the great beyond on March 6, 2021 at age 40, leaving behind a wake of bereft loved ones.

His brothers Adam Stungis (wife Allie and daughter Lucy), Denny Graney (wife Shelley and children Olivia and Jack), Ryan Graney (wife Nicole and son Caleb), and the late Kevin Graney, and cousins Monte Large (wife Esmar and daughter Niloufar), Anna Large, TJ Brocker (wife Bianca and son Elias), and David (wife Lauren), lost their "Chewbacca." His parents, Sonia and Dennis Graney, lost the heartbeat of the family. His aunts, Belinda Bishop (husband Jim and ex-husband Bill Large) and Nancy Brocker (husband Ted), lost that devilish smile and perky attitude. His cherished dog Libby lost her devoted and gloating father. Countless other family and friends lost someone they could always count on for a smile. And the world lost a natural-born salesperson and showman.

Chewy, Awee, Voisier, Peepeetoch, Conan the Barbarian, Fabio: Alex went by many endearing, funny, and fitting nicknames throughout his young life. Opinionated, quick-witted, fit, intelligent, Alex always had an angle and would often surprise. And his sparkly eyes and overwhelming enthusiasm were hard to walk away from.

Alex was the 4th grandchild of Alfonso "Al" and Grace Peña, but in many striking ways a younger version of Al. Easily the most enthusiastic and loyal grandchild, Alex stayed close to Grandma and Grandpa and always kept them entertained and on their toes. Alex was cherished by the family and especially "Gramps" for being their adopted son as they aged.

As a kid and teenager, Alex was not as tall as his towering brothers, but being Alex, he turned that into an advantage, using his boundless energy and agility to become a mind-blowingly talented break dancer. He could even do a head slide, which always brought down the house! Later he would add Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata, and just about any dance he could pronounce to his arsenal. Combined with his handsomeness and quick wit, he was always the life of the party, and seemed destined for showbiz.

Instead, Alex followed in Alfonso's footsteps and chose the United States Navy, specializing in Intelligence. During his years of service, Alex was stationed near The Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks. That day impacted Alex in many ways, especially as he lost several friends as a result. When he was deployed, he was stationed predominantly in the Persian Gulf. There were things Alex did not discuss about his time in the military, but the Navy gave Alex the opportunity to travel the world and he became boastful when telling stories of night markets in Asia, dance clubs in Europe, and the beaches in Dubai.

Alex had returned to his hometown of Houston and had recently enrolled in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) school training to be a first responder.

Alex will be remembered for being a patriot, the loving and adoring rebel in the family, a fearless social butterfly, and, of course, just like Al, the best dancer on the dancefloor.

All who would like to get together to outdo each other with Alex stories, there will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, March 27th from 1-5 pm at Axelrad Beer Garden, 1517 Alabama St., Houston TX 77004.

The burial will be on Monday, March 29, at 12:30 pm at the VA Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77038.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Military Veterans support foundation of choice