Union residents lost a pillar of the community last week with the death of Dr. John Alexander. He died Tuesday, Aug 21 at his home.
Dr. Alexander was a native of Union, graduating from Union High School in 1946. After attending medical school and serving time as a Captain in the United States Air Force, he returned to his hometown to practice medicine, which he did for more than 60 years.
However, Mayor Wayne Welch said Alexander was much more than a doctor.
“Dr. Alexander has been a doctor ever since I can remember in Union,” he said. “He was very active in the Presbyterian church and very active in the community. Anytime you needed something, you would call Dr. Alexander, and he would answer the bell and do most anything for you.”
Welch said Alexander genuinely cared for Union and wanted the best for all residents. Alexander was involved in many projects around town, putting his time and money into building a better future for his community.
“We have a swimming pool at the golf course that Dr. Alexander paid to have built,” he said. “He was very active in the community, and he was very active in his church; a fine Christian fellow.”
Alexander was involved in many aspects of the community, including serving as a scout master for Eagle Scout Troop 29, an member of Union Lion’s Club, belonging to Union Chamber of Commerce, serving on Union School Board and working to raise funds for the creation of Union Country Club. Additionally, Alexander was responsible for the founding of The Newton County Ole Miss Alumni Association in 1998.
Union Chamber of Commerce recognized Alexander’s many contributions by naming him Citizen of the Year in 2005 and awarding him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
Welch, who attended the 2014 awards ceremony, said it was “exciting” to see Alexander honored for his work.
“I think it is obvious he loved Union,” Welch said.
In 2006, Alexander played a key role in establishing a nursing home in Union that Today bears his name. The J. G. Alexander Nursing Home, Welch said, exists because of Alexander’s altruistic spirit. The building bearing Alexander’s name, he said, is “very fitting.”
In his medical practice and community involvement, Alexander was known to be compassionate, hardworking and respectful for all. Welch said there really aren’t words to express the commitment Alexander showed to Union and its residents.
In an open letter to the community, the staff of J.G. Alexander Nursing Home said Alexander set the standard they all work toward.
“Dr. Alexander was well known in our community for his professional, attentive care of patients,” the letter reads. “He exhibited a rare combination of kindness, courtesy, compassion and respect toward those who fell under his care. The standard he set is one we would strive to imitate and maintain.”
Funeral services for Alexander were held 2 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church. He was buried in Union City Cemetery.
Although Alexander is gone, Welch said he will not be forgotten. With so many accomplishments, he said residents have but to look around to see the impact Alexander had on the community.
“We’re certainly going to miss him,” he said.
