Hugh "Murk" Murchison Alexander

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Robert L. and Elizabeth Alexander, and his wife, Rochelle “Chelly” Alexander. He is survived by a brother, Robert Alexander II; sister-in-law, Anne Alexander; son, Michael McGill; daughter, Melissa McGill; daughter-in-law, Amy Bouch; nephews, Clayton Brown, Hayes Brown, Robert Alexander III, Foster Alexander, Dean Faulkenberry

(Marsha), David Faulkenberry; and a niece, Isabel Alexander.

Born in Lumberton, N.C., they moved to Greenwood, S.C. when Murk was in high school. He graduated from USC with a BA in Business while in the NROTC Program. Following college he joined the U.S. Navy serving from 1964-1969. Among other citations Lieutenant Alexander was awarded the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. He was proud to be a part of planning the S.C. Vietnam Memorial and War Dog Memorial, both in Columbia.

Murk stayed in S.C. working in the banking industry. He climbed to Vice President before launching the first owned stock savings and loan in S.C. He finished his career in the S.C. Department of Commerce, retiring in 2004.

Although a military hero he was also a kind, giving and humble man. He loved all types of animals and had a vast collection of stray cats throughout the years. Murk was a longtime member of YMCA, ran the New York and Boston Marathons and the Peachtree Road Race from 1973-2014.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to S.C. Oncology for the care throughout his many battles with cancer and to Wildewood Downs and Regency Hospice for their top notch care, love and support.

Thank you to all of the family and friends who have loved Murk through the years! He really was an Officer and a Gentleman!

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Shandon Presbyterian Church at 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, SC. Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carolina Wildlife Center, www.carolinawildlife.org/donate or to 5551 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212 or to Project Josiah Restoration Ministry at www.facebook.com/combathelp/ or mail to 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223.