Charles Douglas McAlexander “Doug,” 67, of Holly Springs, Mississippi, passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones, on February 26, 2026. The son of Robert Marion McAlexander and Verna Mae McAlexander, he was born in Holly Springs on October 15, 1958. Doug was a dedicated firefighter for ten years before becoming Chief of the Holly Springs Fire Department for four years. For the last thirty years, he worked alongside his brother, Larry, in the construction industry.
Doug was preceded in death by his wife of seventeen years, Lyla Moore McAlexander; his parents; and his brother, Bobby. Doug is survived by his three children, Zack McAlexander (Jessie) of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Zane McAlexander (Karen) of Hernando, Mississippi; and Zoe McAlexander (Philip) of Covington, Louisiana, and their mother, Karla Cline. He is also survived by his three stepdaughters, Georgia Vinzant Baker (Dave) of Savannah, Georgia; Maggie Vinzant of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Stephanie Vinzant of Memphis, Tennessee.
He is also survived by three siblings, Dianne Dickerson of Holly Springs, Mississippi; Larry McAlexander (Farrah) of Oxford, Mississippi; and Brenda Shaw of Holly Springs, Mississippi. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Charlie McAlexander, Henry McAlexander, Stevie McAlexander, Lizzie McAlexander, Kaitlyn Johnson, and Jeremiah Johnson, as well as his beloved dog, Tucker.
Doug Mc was a towering figure with a personality that could be just as intimidating, but he could quickly put you at ease with a sly grin and a quick joke. He loved to roll the windows down and listen to The Eagles and Bob Seger. Spending time outdoors with his children and grandchildren was his favorite way to relax, and if you caught him at the right time, he might tell you a few stories from the glory days. He played football and basketball at Marshall Academy, loved to go deer hunting, and was always ready to watch an old John Wayne movie with you. Doug was endlessly devoted to his wife, Lyla, and was by her side as she passed from this world.
He now joins her in heaven and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Memorial services for Doug will be held at the Methodist Church in Holly Springs on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends and family at a visitation at the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. and continuing until service time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.