Jay Thomas Alexander, 80, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013 at Spartanburg Regional Hospital, S.C., following a brief illness. 

Born on June 16, 1932 in Detroit, Mich., he was the son of the late Eli and Helen Alexander. After high school graduation, he attended Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania, then served eight years in the United States Army. Jay attended the University of Michigan and Duke University to prepare for his lifelong career as an assessor and appraiser for the commonwealth of Virginia.

He came to Polk County in 2001 from Kitty Hawk, N.C. Locally he volunteered at the Lanier Library. He loved cooking good food, collecting wines and always enjoyed life.

Jay is survived by his wife of 47 years, Alice Fisher Alexander.

You are invited to celebrate Jay’s life at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 7 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon with Dr. Darryl E. Maxwell officiating.

Memorials may be made to Lanier Library, 72 Chestnut Street, Tryon, N.C. 28782 or the Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Road, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com