Gary Robert McKeighen

On Sunday, March 26, 2023, Gary Robert McKeighen, loving husband, brother, and father of three children, passed away at the age of 75 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Gary was born on September 25, 1947, in Akron, Ohio to Harold “Mac” and Mildred “Millie” (Brake) McKeighen. Mac’s career with BFGoodrich took the family around the world, affording Gary the opportunity to live in both Australia and Mexico. Gary received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Latin American Studies from the Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Mexico in 1971. Gary had a long, successful career in hospitality and hotel management before retiring from an expert sales role with Apple in 2014.

Gary had a true passion for people. As a hotel general manager, he was known for his strong, caring leadership. He was a lifelong learner, who loved historical books, sci-fi, and action films. He was also an avid music lover, some of his favorites being the Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Ana Gabriel, Gloria Estefan, Grace Potter, and The Rolling Stones. He will be remembered for his quick wit, his knack for connecting with others, and his adventurous spirit. Gary was a proud member of the Freemasons, earning the distinction of 32^nd degree, and wished to be cremated with his Masonic apron.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Harold (Mac), his mother, Mildred (Millie) and his wife, Ana (Ani) Gaviria McKeighen. He is survived by his three children, Caitlin, Meghan, and Sean, as well as their mother Linda (Whittaker) McKeighen all of Nashville, TN, his sister Dianne Bivens (McKeighen) of Cincinnati, OH, his nieces Anastasia (Stacie) Flick (Bivens) of Seattle, WA, and Alyssa (Lissy) Bivens of Cincinnati, OH, his great nephew Maxwell (Max) Flick and great niece Madeline (Maddi) Flick of Seattle, WA, and his sweet cat, Kee Kee. 

Gary’s family will hold a private celebration of life and plans to fulfill Gary’s final wishes and scatter his remains at Lowdermilk Beach in Naples, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alive Hospice.