Robert G “Bob” McAlpin passed away March 21, 2026, at UF Shands Neuro Hospital after a fall.

Bob was born April 22, 1940, in Glasgow to the late Oakey D McAlpin and Ena Mae (Monteith) Irby.

Bob survived polio to graduate from Natural BridgeHigh School, married his high school sweetheart then joined the Army where he was stationed in Korea. After returning home, he and his family moved often, within the state of Virginia, spending the majority of their time in the Richmond area until their move to The Villages, Fla., in 2012

Robert was preceded in death by father, Oakey D McAlpin; mother, Ena Mae Irby (Arthur); brothers William Samuel “Sammy” Irby and Richard Arthur “Rick” Irby; and sister Sandra Leigh Irby.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Carole (Jarvis); children, Marisa “Reese” McClanahan (Tom), and Michael McAlpin; sisters Suzanne Irby and Sheila Irby Frederiksen; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and chosen family Betty J Craft, Jim and Paulette Mays.

Bob was dedicated to his family, both genetic and chosen. He loved to play tennis, pickleball, golf, and most any card game.  

Bob said the “best thing he ever did” was marry Mary Carole Jarvis and courted her by bouncing a cake her mother made down the steps at the Jarvis home, and spreading gasoline on the street in front of her home and lighting it on fire. He remembers the exact location he first saw her and has always contended that he needed to keep his mouth closed so as not to make life at home hard.

A celebration of his life will take place on April 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the ODELL Recreation center located at 2260 Odell Circle, The Villages, Fla. Robert will be buried later at Falling Springs Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers or food, the family would like you to consider a donation to the capital campaign for Lynchburg Humane Society’s Regional Veterinary Clinic Capital Campaign: https://lynchburghumane.org/vetclinic/.