Joseph Alexander

1938 - 2023

Joseph Alexander
January 14, 1938 - April 17, 2023
Beaufort, South Carolina - Joseph "Joe" Alexander, 85, passed away peacefully Monday, April 17, 2023, at home.
Joe was born on January 14, 1938, the son of Margaret Shepherd and Joseph Wilbur Alexander. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1956 and from Oglethorpe University in 1960. He joined the Navy and graduated from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. In October of 1960 he married the love of his life, Kathy Hendry and they returned to Newport for the next 3 years. It was during the Navy days that their sons, Michael and Mark were born.
In 1963 Joe joined the Polaroid Corporation. It was a time of tremendous success for Polaroid and Joe was often promoted and transferred. During the next 10 years Joe and Kathy lived in Alexandria, Virginia and New Orleans, Louisiana where their daughter, Jennifer was born. Then on to Broomall, Pennsylvania, Medfield, Massachusetts, and Atlanta.
In 1973, Joe left the corporate world and the family moved back home to Columbus, where Joe followed a dream of starting his own home building business. He quickly earned the reputation as a "tree hugger" for designing homes to fit the terrain to save as many trees as possible. Kathy worked with him in interior design, and their sons became involved in the business in their early teens.
Joe was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Columbus. For over 30 years, he served as a Deacon or Elder and much of that time as Chairman of Building and Grounds. He was active in Civic organizations and the Arts.
In their retirement years, Joe and Kathy moved to the Lowcountry of South Carolina, first to Hilton Head Island and then to Beaufort. In Beaufort, they joined the Parish Church of St. Helena, an Anglican Congregation. Joe enjoyed Worship, Music and Men's activities there. He was involved with the founding of The Parish Church at Habersham.
Joe loved the outdoors so was often seen hiking or biking. He took to the waters of Habersham Creek in his kayak loving the peace he found there. He along with friends and his brothers climbed Mt LeConte in the Smoky Mountains 11 times.
Joe is survived by his wife, Kathy and his sons; Michael (Barbara Butler) of Hilton Head Island, Mark (Anita) of Greenville, South Carolina, and Jennifer Post (Jeff) of Nantahala, North Carolina. His grandchildren are Brandon Alexander, Collin Alexander, Bailey Alexander, Kristan Lowe, Kasey Lowe (Burt McCollum), Jake Post and Jessica Post. His great grandchildren are Georgia Luchansky, Waylon McCollum and Willow McCollum. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Drury and brothers Rick Alexander (Cindy) of Columbus, George Alexander (Sally) of Clemson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe's ashes will be scattered on the waters of Habersham Creek. A memorial service will be held Thursday the 27th of April at 11 AM at The Parish Church of St. Helena. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Parish Church of St. Helena, PO Box 1043 Beaufort, SC 29901 or The Parish Church at Habersham, PO Box 4185 Beaufort, SC, 29903 or to Friends of Caroline Hospice, 329 Friends Lane, Ridgeland, SC, 29936.
Anderson Funeral Home in Beaufort, SC is serving the family.