Milton Alexander

M.O. Alexander

Simpsonville

Milton (M.O.) Alexander completed a lifetime of service to his Lord and Savior with his passing on March 23, 2013. He was born August 1, 1923 in Calhoun, SC and was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters, and by his wife of 50 years Frances Marion Hatchett.

Surviving are daughters Lynn Culp (Craig) of Spartanburg, and Mary McGuire (David) of Aiken, and sons William A. Alexander (Suzan) of Spartanburg and Alan Alexander (Joann) of Seneca; grandchildren Claire (Chris) Ollinger, Andrew Alexander (fiancee Leslie), Caroline (Lane) Huddlestone, Clayton Alexander, Callie Alexander, David A. McGuire, Joseph McGuire; great grandchildren Alex, Clay and Chip; and a special friend, Sybil Todd.

WW II interrupted M.O.'s studies at Clemson College, and he served in the U.S. Army 1943-46 later returning to graduate Clemson in 1948, followed by a M. Ed. from Univ. of S.C. 1953.

He was especially fond of farming, and was most content while on a tractor. His interest in farming was evident in both his roles as educator and legislator.

M.O. taught agriculture in Simpsonville schools for 32 years, including principal at Simpsonville High School. He mentored many aspiring farmers through his devoted service to FFA, and encouraged hundreds of young people during a long career in the classroom (vocational agriculture) and principal positions. His legacy is embodied by the former students whose lives have been shaped by his words and his wisdom.

M.O. was a devoted husband and father, placing family gatherings as the cornerstone of his way to maintain strong family bonds. He served the Lord in many ways, staying active in his church as a Sunday School teacher, and deacon (Deacon Emeritus).

M.O. was a civic leader serving his community and helping individuals in need most of his life. From a humble beginning he took on responsibility at an early age, and the traits of service and leadership never left him. He was Gen. Mgr. of the S. Greenville Fair for 30 years; Chm. Adv. Bd. S.C. Comm. of Forestry, 1981-82; Recipient, Clemson Univ. Centennial Distinguished Alumni Award, 1989; Bd. of Dirs., S.C. Foundation Seed Assn.; and served the people of District 27 as Statehouse representative for 6 terms. Two of his most significant legislative accomplishments were sponsoring bill for the uniform organ donor procedures in SC, and sponsoring the bill to build a livestock arena at Clemson University.

Pallbearers will be his 4 grandsons David McGuire, Joseph McGuire, Clayton Alexander, Drew Alexander, and Chris Ollinger and Lane Huddlestone. Honorary pallbearers will be the Steve Hiott Sunday School class.

Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel of Simpsonville First Baptist Church. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in the Simpsonville City Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the Chapel for two hours prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Meals on Wheels, 15 Oregon Street, Greenville, SC 29605; First Baptist Church of Simpsonville, 3 Hedge Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681; or Long Branch Baptist, 2102 Highway 413, Anderson, SC 29631.

Fletcher Funeral Service