Prognosis 'not good,' mayor's brother says

Alexander

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

BISHOPVILLE — Bishopville Mayor Tom Alexander, 78, remained in the trauma care unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center Thursday after suffering a massive stroke Tuesday night.

Alexander's brother, Ray Alexander, said the mayor's prognosis is "not good."

"They are not going to be able to operate," Ray Alexander said. "It doesn't look good at this point."

The mayor became ill after Tuesday's city council meeting that ended shortly after 8 p.m., his brother said.

"He called and told me he needed help," he said. "And by the time I got to him, he was unresponsive."

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

"The family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, support and prayers," Ray Alexander said. "We appreciate everything and we ask that you continue to keep Tom and his family in your prayers."

The mayor's wife, Mary Alexander, said the family appreciates the support shown by the people of Bishopville and Lee County.

Mayor Pro Tem Ennis Bryant said the news of the mayor's illness has been devastating to council members.

"We were just with him at the council meeting that night," Bryant said. "This has really floored us all. We've been talking back and forth to each other. We know that these kind of things can happen anytime to anybody. Right now, our hearts go out to all the family members."

Alexander, who has been mayor of Bishopville since 1991, was elected to a fifth term in May 2007. He served on the 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.

Alexander and his family have been a Main Street fixture since 1960, operating Stuckey and Alexander Insurance Co.



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