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Professional truck driver William John Lex, a longtime driver for Walmart Transportation and captain of the U.S. Highway Team for the American Trucking Associations, died Jan. 10 after a battle with colon cancer. He was 56 years old.
Lex, who was known as John, over a 32-year career racked up 3.1 million accident-free miles, and his commitment to the trucking industry is remembered.
“He had an impeccable driving record, and his passion for safety, service, his fellow associates and his local community will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” Romana Rolniak, director of corporate communications for Walmart US Supply Chain, told Transport Topics.
Lex was selected as captain of the U.S. road team in 2013. (ATA)
ATA President Chris Spear added: “He never gave up, whether it was teaching students about road safety, educating the president and officials about the industry, or fight his own battle, he was unyielding… inspiring us all. John believed in this industry, in all of us and in the roles we all play.
Lex was photographed with then-President Donald Trump in the cab of a truck during a visit to the White House in 2017. The image made waves on social media.
“John was an outstanding captain of America’s road team, impacting everyone he spoke to,” added Elisabeth Barna, ATA’s executive vice president for industry affairs. “His huge smile was so warm and welcoming that not only did elementary and secondary school students stop and listen to him teach, but policymakers and members of the media wanted to know more about road safety.”
Lex was honored at last year’s ATA Management Conference and Expo with the first Trucking Cares Foundation Achievement Award. In 2016 he won the ATA Mike Russell Trucking Image Award. He was selected as captain of the U.S. road team in 2013.
Lex takes a selfie with Trump during ATA’s visit to the White House in 2017. (ATA)
Lex comes from a trucking family, following in the footsteps of his father, Al Sr., who drove for Publix Super Markets in Florida before his retirement. Lex has also driven for Publix, where his brother, Al Jr., is also a driver.
Lex is survived by his wife of 16 years, Sheri Stefan; sons Cody and Chase; father Albert F. Lex and stepmother Alice; brother Albert F. Lex Jr. and wife Jenny; her sister Deborah Lex Lumley and her husband Robert; stepmother Dee Crowe; his beloved dog Romie; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Patricia Lex.
His family plans to hold a celebration of his life this spring. Details will be posted on the GoFundMe page set up in his honor to help cover the costs of his cancer treatments.
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