Rex Jackson Lysinger

Rex Jackson Lysinger

1937 - 2020

Rex Jackson Lysinger--a father, a leader, a mentor to many, and a friend to all--passed away on October 1, 2020, in Destin, Florida, surrounded by his wife, close friends, and pastor. He was 83.

Born August 14, 1937 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to William Mark Lysinger and Clare Long Lysinger, Rex was the youngest of eight children. Rex was a hard worker from an early age, and had successful newspaper routes around his neighborhood for many years. He was happiest when he was busy, and this was a trait that stayed with him throughout his life. Rex married Jodene Elizabeth Scott on September 19, 1958, and together they created a beautiful family of 4 children, 3 daughters and 1 son, and 12 grandchildren.

Educated at McKeesport High School and The University of Pittsburgh, Rex was wise beyond his education, and people of all ages and stations in life sought his advice and benefitted from his counsel. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, he spent his whole career in energy, beginning with the East Ohio Gas Company. From there, Rex spent 10 years as a Vice President at Stone & Webster Management Consultants in New York City before joining Alabama Gas Corporation in 1975 as Vice President of Corporate Planning. He was instrumental in forming a natural gas holding company for Alabama Gas and several other natural gas subsidiaries, Energen Corporation. He retired from Energen in 1998 where he held the titles of both Chairman and CEO. During his career, Rex also served as Chairman of the Gas Research Institute and Southern Gas Association, and as a Director of the American Gas Association and several public corporations. He was also a Trustee of Samford University and President of the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. 

A devout Christian for all of his life, Rex was extremely active in his church and local Christian community outreach. He worshipped God with both his words and his deeds and believed in people more than they believed in themselves. Most recently, he was a Deacon and Chairman of the Board of Santa Rosa Beach Community Church, as well as Treasurer. Along with his brother-in-law and sister, Rex was instrumental in helping found CURE International, a Christian nonprofit, focusing primarily on providing surgical and medical care for children in the developing world. Today, through these hospitals, CURE is the largest provider of surgical care in these developing countries. Rex lived his life as if every day was a miracle given to him by God. 

Rex will be remembered for his generous heart and spirit, punny jokes, unfailing work ethic, double-faults, his 1937 Packard “Big Blue”, and his fierce dedication to his family. His favorite response, when asked how he was doing, was “Better than I deserve.” Rex’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by his beloved wife, Jean Rice; children Teri Bundy, Beth LeMay, Rex Lysinger, Jr., and Holly Moller; his twelve grandchildren, and his sister Sally Harrison. 

A service will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 3:00 PM at Santa Rosa Beach Community Church in Destin, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rex Lysinger Preschool Scholarship Fund at 3524 US Highway 98 West, PO Box 1723, Santa Rosa Beach,ing Florida 32459.

To share memories, express condolence and sign the guestbook, please visit www.daviswatkins.com