Mark Ronald Alexander, 49, of Columbia, SC, died Thursday, December 17, 2015, at Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, SC. Mark was born to Pam Ferguson Alexander and Stanley Eugene Alexander on January 14, 1966, in Greenwood, SC.

Abbeville, SC was always home to Mark. He graduated from Abbeville High School, Class of 1983. Mark was captain of the math team his senior year, member of the golf team, Block A Club, represented his school at Boys State, and was a PC Fellow. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of South Carolina in 1987. Mark was employed by Computer Sciences Corporation as a computer programmer.

As a devoted Gamecock fan, golf, football, baseball, and basketball were all about Gamecocks. In college, Mark played in a pool league and won several trophies. He was a loyal supporter of George Rogers, Michael Jordan, and loved Garfield the Cat. Mark's personality was evident by his wide scope of interests. Abbeville Panther football, the Dallas Cowboys, the Lakers, the Atlanta Braves, R&B music, and Lionel Richie. Star Wars and Cuban sandwiches from Crossings Deli brought him much pleasure.

By nature, Mark was quiet, loyal, and unassuming. His witty sense of humor, pride in being a south paw, and caring demeanor endeared him to family and friends. His friendship with Mike Cooper began in childhood and remained throughout his life. In college, Mark became friends with Jim Paolone, Michelle Crisp, and Karolan and Glenn Ohanesian. These friendships have remained constant.

Mark and his nephew, Bodie, had a special bond. They both loved computers, Gamecocks, video games, and collecting football cards and hats. Mark and Bodie shared the same witty, sarcastic sense of humor that kept us laughing. Mark was godfather to Zack and Sam Ohanesian. They shared a lot of time and love together, as well as a passion of Gamecocks, golf, video games, and more. Memories of all the special times together are eternal treasures.

Mark was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lewis Troy and Rubye Treadway Ferguson and his paternal grandparents, Eugene Herd and Imelda Slice Alexander.

He is survived by his mother, Pam Ferguson Alexander of Columbia, SC; his father, Stanley Eugene Alexander (Julie Rearden) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; sisters, Amy Alexander of Chicago, IL and Beth Alexander (Chris Pote), of Summerville, SC; his nephew, Bodie Alexander of Summerville, SC; his uncle, Kenneth Ferguson (Becky) of Lexington, SC; godsons, Zack Ohanesian of Columbia, SC, and Sam Ohanesian of Myrtle Beach, SC; and cousins, Bonnie Ferguson Butler and her son Jasper Butler of Lorton, VA, Roxann Ferguson Burgess of Fort Mill, SC, and her daughter, Ashleigh Burgess of Tifton, GA.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Mark's Life was held on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Seacoast Church: Columbia Campus, Columbia, SC.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Mark may be sent Pets, Inc, 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia, SC 29171 or LowCountry Animal Rescue, PO Box 952, Ladson, SC 29456.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel is assisting the family.