Bishopville mayor dies

TOM ALEXANDER

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

Bishopville Mayor Tom Alexander, 78, died at 12:30 a.m. Friday at a Florence hospital after suffering a massive stroke following a city council meeting in Bishopville on Tuesday night.

Alexander, a Bishopville native, is being remembered by the people of Lee County as someone who loved his city, state and country.

“Tommy was an outgoing person,” said his brother, Ray Alexander. “You couldn't be around him without being entertained by his personality. And I think an important thing in his life was that he was a general in the South Carolina National Guard. He was a good man and a good soldier.”

City Administrator Gregg McCutchen described Alexander as a tireless public servant.

“The city of Bishopville, the county of Lee and the state of South Carolina have lost a tremendous advocate for people,” McCutchen said. “He believed in helping everybody he could, and he did all he could do to make this community a livable, lovable place. And that was one of his favorite expressions. Bishopville is a livable, lovable place.”

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 had more than 3,000 hours on fixed wing and rotary wing aircrafts.

Mayor of Bishopville since 1991, Alexander was elected to a fifth term in May 2007. He served on the city council for 16 years before becoming mayor.

During the campaign in 2007, Alexander spoke of his passion for the community and public service.

“I guess I just have a love affair with the city,” he said.

“The city is getting better. I think the community as a whole wants to see Bishopville grow and if I can contribute to this I am glad to serve.”

Ronnie Williams, former director of the Lee County Chamber of Commerce and former Bishopville police chief, said Alexander was Bishopville's No. 1 ambassador.

“Tommy always represented the city of Bishopville when he was away from Bishopville,”

Williams said. “He was selling Bishopville all the time. He was always promoting the town. I never heard him ever come out and say anything negative about Bishopville.”

Williams said Alexander, who operated Stuckey and Alexander Insurance Co., was a leader when it came to downtown revitalization.

“Being a downtown merchant, he understood that having a viable downtown would be a key component to any growth in the community,” Williams said.”

McCutchen said Alexander was well-known and well-respected by everyone.

“He touched so many lives,” McCutchen said. “I think his most important legacy will be the harmony he brought to the table. He was always trying to bring people together. And he had a knack for bringing people together. He will be missed.”

During his most recent campaign for mayor, Alexander reflected upon his more than 32 years of public service in city government.

“Bishopville and Lee County are at a good place now,” he said. “We've done several projects with the county and have a good working relationship with members of Lee County Council. I've seen many positive changes in both Bishopville and Lee County. It's due to people being able and willing to work together. I can sit down with members of this council and we can reason together. We may not always agree, but we always try to work for the good of Bishopville.”

During his administration, Alexander said he has seen the city and county work together for the consolidation of fire service, renovation of the Opera House, the establishment of the South Carolina Cotton Museum, renovation of the city hall, and Main Street's Streetscape.

State Rep. Grady Brown, D-Bishopville, said Alexander loved public service.

“He exemplified what being a public servant is all about,” Brown said. “He just loved helping people. He was in the National Guard and rose to the rank of general. He loved being on City Council. He was a success at everything he did. He was a successful businessman.”

Don McDaniel of Lee County said Bishopville and Lee County have lost one of their favorite sons.

“Tom Alexander was a true gentleman,” said McDaniel, “who possessed a keen wit and a sense of humor that fascinated his many friends. His devotion and service to his town will be long remembered and appreciated by his fellow citizens.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home.

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