Obituary for  Alex McDowell

A beloved husband, father, and brother, Alex B. McDowell, 71, passed away January 27, 2026, at his home in Freeport, Florida.

Alex was born on October 19, 1954, to Eva Merle Pridgen and James Edward McDowell in Brewton, Alabama. He was the fifth of six children, and the family lived in Brewton while spending summers in Grayton Beach, Florida. He attended T.R. Miller High School, class of 1973, and graduated from Auburn University in 1977. Alex met Jane Heffernan in Brewton, and as high school sweethearts, they began a love story that lasted 37 years until her passing in 2016. Together they built a life and raised three children in Brewton. Alex and Jane's shared life and enduring love remain a legacy through their children and community.

Alex is remembered for his love of family, friends, literature, music, dancing, and cooking. He had a long career in banking and served as the vice president of commercial lending for First Exchange Bank, vice president of mortgage banking for United Bank, and regional manager for Altus Bank. He also served as city clerk of Brewton from 2016-2021.

Alex reconnected with a girl from Grayton Beach, Kitty Taylor – they watched the moon landing together in 1969 and Kitty wrote about Alex in her childhood diary. They were married in 2021, and he moved to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, working with Grayton Coast Properties. Alex was a member of Point Washington United Methodist Church, where he served on the finance committee and was a member of the men's ministry.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Merle McDowell, and his first wife, Jane McDowell.

He is survived by his second wife, Kitty Taylor, and his three children, Robert (Carrie) McDowell of Vestavia Hills, Alabama; Kate (Gray) Garrett of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Marshall (Katie) McDowell of Vestavia Hills, Alabama; stepchildren Taylor (Ola) Frappier of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; and Catherine (Daniel) Ryland of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; eight grandchildren, Broox Garrett, Jane Garrett, Rainer Garrett, Virginia Garrett, James McDowell, Alex McDowell, Sarah McDowell, Charlotte McDowell; seven step-grandchildren, Isabella Frappier, Liliana Frappier, Scout Ryland, Chappell Ryland, Oliver Ryland, Clay Ryland, and Isla Frappier. He is also survived by his five brothers and sisters, Anita Fowler of Nashville, Tennessee; James Earle (Barbara) McDowell of Freeport, Florida; Roger (Lida) McDowell of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Candy McMillan of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; and Donna Nightingale of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; along with many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Alex's life will be held on Friday, February 6th at Point Washington United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Visitation with family will be 10:00 am and service at 11:00 am. A graveside service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 11:00 am, at Union Cemetery in Brewton, Alabama.

The family kindly requests that flowers be omitted in favor of contributions to the American Cancer Society, MD Anderson Cancer Center, or Point Washington United Methodist Church.