Keith Alred

Mr. Earl Keith Alred, known affectionately as Keith, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born on October 27, 1943, in Cookeville, Tennessee, to the late William Herbert Alred and Myrtle Dishman Alred, Keith was a pillar of the community for eight decades.

Keith was a graduate of Cookeville Central High class of 1961, whose spirited nature and tenacity led him to a successful career in business. His work ethic started at age 9 delivering newspapers. His business acumen was groomed by working at Maddux Hardware and Institutional Wholesale, and as a manager at Sears, a position that moved him away from home to Georgia for a few years. In May of 1971, he returned and opened Appliance Mart on 749 S Jefferson Ave in Cookeville. Keith was not only a natural-born salesman with a relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, but he also took great pride in servicing what he sold and treating his customers like family. Countless times during nights, weekends, and holidays, he provided emergency appliances to customers whose refrigerator, air conditioner, or stove unexpectedly quit working - saving many family celebrations through the decades. Appliance Mart grew to become one of the most successful and admired local companies in the area, developing a loyal, generational following that continues to sustain the business to this day. Keith was truly one of a kind. His passion for his work was paralleled only by his generous support of the Cookeville community, evidenced by his sponsorship of countless community organizations.

A family man at heart, Keith was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Jeanette Rodgers Alred, his brother Oral Alred, and his sisters Josephine Morris and Janey Pickett. His legacy continues through his loving wife of 30 years, Lucille Bilbrey Polson Alred; his daughters, Dana (David) Plant of Greenville, SC, and Kelly (Mark) Goolsby of Cookeville; his brother, Carl (Aileene) Alred of Cookeville; his grandchildren, Justin Keith Plant, Abby Jeanette Menzies (James) Campbell, Hannah (Lucas) Ledbetter, Thomas Moore, and Sara Moore; and his great-grandchildren, Hudson and Hayden Ledbetter and James Campbell Menzies III. His stepdaughter, Sandy (Chad) Swenson of Cookeville, and brother-in-law, Richard Morris, also survive him.

Keith's interests were a reflection of a man who loved life and spending time in the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on Center Hill Lake at Cookeville Boat Dock. His passion for sports was undeniable; he was a devoted fan and supporter of local athletics, Cookeville High School and Tennessee Tech University (TTU) sports teams. Above all, Keith adored his family and cherished every moment spent with them. His independent and self-reliant spirit was an inspiration for those who knew him - teaching by example the virtues of hard work and dedication.

Those who knew Keith described him using words such as generous, selfless, approachable, supportive, and passionate. These traits were the guiding principles of his life and the legacy he leaves behind. Keith's unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community set a standard that will long be remembered and emulated. Keith's presence will be deeply missed, but his warmth, kindness, and zest for life will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He lived a life full of love, laughter, and service, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched.

Funeral services for Mr. Earl Keith Alred, age 80 of Cookeville, will be held Monday, December 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Pastors Hillier Duke and Mark Gaw will officiate with Roger Anderson delivering the eulogy.

Keith's family will receive friends Sunday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home and again Monday from 9:00 am until service time at Washington Ave. Baptist Church.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Keith's family wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone at Cookeville Regional Medical Center for the excellent and compassionate care given to him. They also suggest memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 and/or to Cookeville Regional Medical Center Charitable Foundation 27 N Oak Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.