George Keith McAlpin

George “Keith” McAlpin of Lexington, KY passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a brief illness.  The man, the myth, the legend, Keith will be remembered fondly by all that knew him. Whether at the baseball field watching his son, grandsons, or the Cincinnati Reds, at the football stadium watching his UK Wildcats or Cincinnati Bengals, or at golf courses across the Bluegrass, Keith brought his passion, sense of fiery competitiveness, quick wit, and sense of legendary style, always matching from hat to tennis shoe.  These were just a few of his favorite places where he will be desperately missed. 

Keith was born February 8th, 1953, in Mt. Sterling, KY to the late Ted and Ala Frances McAlpin. He spent his career working for Columbia Gas before retiring and working for multiple car dealerships throughout Bluegrass transporting cars as needed.  Keith never met a stranger and was a loyal friend.  He had a knack for asking questions and remembering even the smallest details from conversations with those he cared about. He was especially remarkable at remembering birthdays, where athletes played their college ball, or any trivial question in general.

Keith was a graduate of Bath County High School, attended Ole Miss and then Morehead State University, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree 

Keith was the older brother to Delene (Tim) McAlpin and Mari Lynne (Ray) Roberts.  He never passed up the opportunity to give his sisters a hard time that was always followed by a flashy,quick smile so that they could feel his love.

He was the proud, oh so proud father of one son, Brett (Tiffany Reed) McAlpin.  It has been said that a son is a reminder that the past is worth remembering, the present is worth living, and the future is worth dreaming.  No truer words could have ever been written about Keith’s love for Brett.  Keith may not have put it so eloquently but there was no doubt about his love and admiration of Brett.  He beamed with pride anytime he talked about the man and father Brett is.  

Keith was the dedicated and proud “Granddaddy” to Kamden and Gunner McAlpin.  This role might have been Keith’s favorite.  He embraced being a grandfather and celebrated them often.  Most will always remember that Keith hardly missed a ballgame no matter how near or far and all will remember that he could never have a conversation that didn’t include a stat, story or showing a picture of them but few may know that his impact as a grandfather went well beyond that.   Kamden and Gunner cherished the influence that their Granddaddy had on them in life and pray that he felt their love for him as he left this earth.  They are comforted by God’s promise of a perfect plan and that while the timing is hard to understand, God is in charge. 

In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by his longtime partner, Nancy Jarrells. 

Besides his sisters, son and grandsons, Keith is survived by an aunt and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends near and far. These include his Aunt Sandy Donaldson, cousins Dwight Donaldson (Lynette), Lori Donaldson, Brandon Donaldson (Amy), Mitch Goodpaster, Beth Cummings (Bob), Josh (Meghan) Stevenson, and Lisa Goodpaster, nephews, Jarrod Arrasmith(Heather), Tyler Arrasmith (Marian), Cameron Swartz (Amy), Kevin Roberts (Allison) and his niece, Micah Lynne Arrasmith (Will).  He is also survived by his special and loving friend, Rhetta Colliver Davis.  Also, a shout-out to great friends, Doug Wells and Tembra Sundstrom.

Keith was a storyteller, loved a good joke and was a movie enthusiast – always quoting movie lines and had the uncanny ability to know what actors have been in what movies.  So, in closing, he would no doubt know who said, “I guess it comes down to a simple choice really; get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.” Which was Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption.  Keith was always doing the first – getting busy living life to the fullest and for that we as his family are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Keith’s honor to Bluegrass Miracle League.  Checks should be addressed to Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League P.O. Box 1973, Lexington, KY 40586-1973.

Please join us to celebrate the well-lived life of Keith McAlpin.  The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 19th, 2024, at the K Club located at 1398 Sports Center Drive Lexington, KY 40502 from 3:30pm- 5:30pm with a private family gathering immediately following.  

The family requests that the celebration be done in “Keith” style so please wear anything UK, Bengals, Reds, George Rogers Clark, or your own favorite sports team (excluding U of L of course!)  We hope you will share your favorite stories and memories of our great Dad, Grandaddy, brother, friend, passionate fan, etc.  This will be casual and light food and refreshments will be served.  Our wish is to have an afternoon full of laughter and maybe some happy tears all commemorating our crowd favorite.