Harbert Lee Rice Alexander Sr.

He was born in Jackson on June 30, 1939 to Lucille Rice Alexander and Ridley Harris Alexander. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1957. Following high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Military Institute and a graduate degree from Rutgers University in Princeton, New Jersey. From 1962-1964, he served as an artillery officer in Schweinfurt, West Germany, retiring from the Army with the rank of Captain.

He was associated with Jackson National Bank (now Bancorp South) for twenty-four years where he served as President of the bank and Vice Chairman of the holding company. He was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Planters Bank (now Regions Bank) and later as Regional President of their banks in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Middle and West Tennessee. After his retirement in 2004, he became affiliated with the Bank of Jackson serving as Chairman of the Board.

Harbert’s civic involvement started early in his life. As a newlywed, he served as the President of the Greater Pinson Mounds Development Association. For many years, Harbert served as Madison County Historian and published five books on its history. He also wrote one book of hunting stories illustrated by Ralph McDonald as well as one fiction book soon to be released, “Turnaround.” Among his lifelong community involvement, he served as Chairman of the Board of Jackson Madison County General Hospital, President of Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board of Jackson Energy Authority, and President of the Board of Trustees at Lambuth University. In 1991, he was selected as The Exchange Club’s “Man of the Year.” In 2015, he was appointed by Governor Bill Haslam to the Douglas Henry State Museum Commission for the Tennessee State Museum, serving for a term as Chairman of the Audit Committee.

He served on the TN State Archeology Board, was Chairman of the Episcopal Day School, President of The Jackson Country Club, and was a longtime member of the Quarterback Club and Forked Deer River Coon Club. He also helped found Leadership Jackson in 1979 serving as the program chair. The Harbert Alexander Servant Leadership Award was established in his honor and is still awarded annually. He was involved with Area Relief Ministries serving as chairman of the fundraising committee and spokesperson for “Room in the Inn.”

Most recently he served on the Jackson Madison County Bicentennial Historical Advisory Committee. He was very involved in the Legacy Projects for the Bicentennial including writing the Bicentennial’s Historical Overview for the website content and the Introduction to the soon to be released book “Jackson Madison County Milestones: Celebrating 200 Years of Achievement In Our Community.”

In addition to his civic duties, Harbert was passionate about his interests and hobbies including amateur archaeology, Civil War history, farm management, the great outdoors, bird hunting, and storytelling, all of which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Born into the Presbyterian faith, he was a devoted lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church where his servant heart truly felt at home, answering the call wherever and how ever needed, including as an Elder and Sunday School teacher.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nora Noe Alexander of Jackson always endeavoring to support her passions, most especially her love of Tennessee Walking Horses and as a competitor in horse shows throughout the Southeast, including the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Together, they created a strong family legacy with their three children, Lucille Alexander “Ceil” Cowles (Ty), Harbert Lee Rice Alexander, Jr. (Tausha), and Albert Noe Alexander; and six grandchildren, Morgan Ridley Cowles (Fiancé Jessie Mills), Mary Alexander Corrine Cowles (Fiancé Tye Rochner), Nora Ann Ridley Alexander, Mary Harbert Rice Alexander, Dorothy Lucille Cline Alexander, and Elizabeth James Happel Alexander.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends and loved ones during a reception to be held at Memorial Hall on the grounds of First Presbyterian Church immediately following the service. A private interment will be in the family plot at Hollywood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to First Presbyterian Church, Jackson Madison County Bicentennial Legacy Park or to the local charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Alexander family.