Bishopville mayor suffers stroke

Item File Photo Bishopville Mayor Tom Alexander is reportedly fighting for his life in a Florence hospital after suffering a massive stroke following Tuesday night's council meeting. Family members say he is in critical condition.

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

Bishopville Mayor Tom Alexander is reportedly fighting for his life in a Florence hospital after suffering a massive stroke following Tuesday night's council meeting.

City Administrator Gregg McCutchen said Alexander, 78, is in the trauma care unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

He is in critical condition, according to family members.

"The mayor was fine at the council meeting last night," McCutchen said. "I understand that he became ill shortly after the meeting. Right now, I just want everybody to lift up the mayor and his family in their prayers."

Alexander was reportedly transported to the Florence hospital by Lee County Emergency Medical Services.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the mayor and his family," said Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Ennis Bryant.

Alexander, who has been Bishopville's mayor since 1991, was elected to a fifth term in May 2007. He served on city council for 16 years before becoming mayor.

A graduate of Bishopville High School and Presbyterian College, Alexander served 37 years in the military, both active duty and the National Guard. As a pilot, he has more than 3,000 hours on fixed wing and rotary wing aircrafts.

Alexander and his family have been a Main Street fixture since 1960, operating Stuckey and Alexander Insurance Co. He and his wife, Mary, have four children and four grandchildren and attend Bethlehem United Methodist Church.

Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.