Lane
Alexander, a Gardner-Webb graduate and long-serving Cleveland County manager,
died Friday at home. He was 61. Lane Alexander
Lane
Alexander, a Gardner-Webb graduate and long-serving Cleveland County manager,
died Friday at home. He was 61.
Alexander, an influential leader in the county, was diagnosed with liver cancer in May 2007, said family friend Sandy McNeely. But he stayed involved with Aldersgate United Methodist Church until just a few weeks ago.
“He was a fighter,” McNeely said, “a wonderful Christian man. His courage and strength was an inspiration to everybody.”
Alexander, of Starmount Drive, was born and raised in Cleveland County. So, aside from telling you how much a piece of land is worth in dollars, Alexander could also tell you whose great-grandfather farmed cotton on that property 100 years ago, and that knowledge brought with it a sense of responsibility that no amount of education or experience can replace.
Joe Hendrick Sr. helped groom Alexander for the manager position. For 25 years, Hendrick served as county manager, with Alexander as assistant for 17 of those years. When Hendrick retired, he became director of economic development and continued to work with Alexander on projects for four more years.
Alexander, who was involved with many organizations throughout his life, started as a purchasing agent, rose to assistant finance officer, then assistant manager, while maintaining his finance duties. On July 2, 1988, he was appointed as county manager and served until 2004. David Dear succeeded Alexander at that time.
“We knew each other for 35 years or more,” Dear said. “He was just a good friend and a great man.”
Alexander worked to build coalitions such as helping to merge county economic development under the umbrella of the Cleveland County Chamber. He helped Cleveland County through a decidedly complex school merger.
Alexander brought officials from Wal-Mart, the city of Shelby and the county together to negotiate the Wal-Mart Distribution Center project. Shelby and the county purchased 58 acres and extended water, sewer and natural gas lines for the business.
“He was an excellent county manager and led Cleveland County through some tough times for a lot of years,” Dear said. “He’ll be greatly missed by a lot of people, especially me.”
Survivors include Hope, his wife of 29 years, and sons Matthew Alexander and Bill Randolph. He enjoyed spending time with grandchildren Ella and Sel.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 to 8 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home.
The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.