BISHOPVILLE, SC (WIS) - Bishopville Mayor Tom Alexander has died. Mayor Alexander passed away at 12:35 Friday morning, his family said.
Alexander had been fighting for his life since he suffered a stroke after Tuesday's city council meeting.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00pm Saturday at the Hancock, Elmore, Hill Funeral Home on W. Church Street in Bishopville. A service will be held at Bethlehem Methodist Church on W. Church Street at 2:00pm Sunday.
In the meantime, Mayor Pro-Tem Ennis Bryant, Sr. will be in charge of the city. Bishopville will have a special election early next year.
"Bishopville will always remember Tom Alexander, always remember him because he had a great impact on everyone's life here," said Bishopville City Administrator Gregg McCutchen on Thursday.
McCutchen knew Alexander as not just the city's mayor, but as a friend. They've both worked for the city for the past 14 years.
"I've seen a person that really loves Bishopville, loves this community," said Gregg.
Alexander dedicated more than 30 years to his city, 18 as mayor and 16 on city council. He was also known outside the mayor's office. The Alexander family has had a business on Main Street since 1960.
"He's been a part of everything that has gone on in this community for a very long time," said Tommy Smith, who owns the Easy Living Home Center.
Smith's furniture store was located right down the street from Alexander's business, and Smith says Alexander's work will be remembered.
"The legacy that he leaves behind is going to be one of pulling together a community, really and truly, that has not always worked well together," said Smith.
"One of his favorite expressions was a livable, loveable community, and that's what we have here," said McCutchen.
As a business owner and mayor, Alexander saw the city through developing downtown street-scaping projects and relocating city hall to where it is now. But's he's seen the city through thick and thin.
Friends say Alexander loved his country just as much as his city, and served 37 years in the military.
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