Kenneth O'Carroll McAlpin, 60, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Born on January 29, 1964, in Cambridge, England, he was the son of Carol Joan Fleischman McAlpin and the late John Harris McAlpin. Raised in Columbia, he was a star athlete who lettered in four sports in high school, his favorites being track and cross country. For him, running five to ten miles a day was an almost effortless walk in the park, his mile time still recognized as one of the best ever at Dreher High School.

After high school, Kenneth attended the University of South Carolina and later graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. After returning to Columbia, he worked for many years at the South Carolina State Hospital until it closed in the late 1990s.

But these few facts don't begin to tell the real story of Kenneth's life and all that he so heroically overcame. Diagnosed with a mental illness in young adulthood, he learned to make peace with a condition that would never go away. A few years later, while out jogging, he was struck by a car, an event that left him unable to enjoy the sports that he so dearly loved. Nevertheless, after many months of therapy and with the courage that he showed so often during his life, he learned to walk again, at first slowly for short distances until he could walk—but no longer run—almost everywhere.

Kenneth rarely focused on what he could no longer do, but rather celebrated what he could. Readjusting the earlier dreams he had planned for his future, he learned to navigate an unplanned for life. He appreciated and enjoyed those small moments of everyday living: a walk in nature; an exciting basketball game, times spent with a few good friends. As a mental health specialist at the State Hospital, he could empathize with his patients because he understood the stigma and the loneliness that so often attends a mental illness diagnosis. Every Tuesday evening, he looked forward to his NAMI support group, where he sometimes revealed his dry sense of humor and always listened attentively and showed compassion for those who shared their stories with him.

Though Kenneth did not leave a very large public footprint in this world, he left an indelible personal mark on anyone who knew him well. If a man's conduct is the best proof of his character, Kenneth had a sterling core. His kindness towards others and his willingness to accept the limitations of his own life with grace and courage and even some joy always inspired those who loved him. He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his mother, Carol McAlpin of Columbia, he is survived by his "little brother," Kevin McAlpin of Friendswood, Texas, to whom he was a hero; nephews, Reece and Cooper, also of Texas; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins, including his Uncle Bob Fleischman, who resides in Columbia, and with whom he had an especially close bond.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be sent to NAMI Mid-Carolina, 1823 Gadsden St., Columbia, SC 29201, in honor of Mr. Kenneth O'Carroll McAlpin.

Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.