Dates
William Garland McAlpine, Jr., affectionately known as Mike, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026 at the Schleicher County Nursing Home. Visitation with the family will take place at Harper Funeral Home on Thursday, June 25th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Harper Funeral Home on Friday, June 26th at 2:00 p.m.
Mike was born on October 25, 1952 to Pat & Billie McAlpine. He was quickly introduced to his big sister, Carol, and his large extended family. Little Mike grew up in what can only be described as an outdoor-minded boys dream. From an early age, he learned how to hunt and fish, not only from his dad, but from his grandfather, Gibby McAlpine and cousin “Wild Bill” Ratliff. These three men would continue to shape the man that Mike would become.
They say it takes a village, and this was never more true than when it came to raising Mike McAlpine. Thank goodness Mike had a family that guided him, and supported him, in everything he did. His aunts and uncles were an invaluable part of Mike’s life. They included Wesley & Mary McAlpine, Fay & Roy Crider, Harlan McAlpine and Juanita McAlpine.
Mike grew up with numerous cousins. He was especially close to Rick Crider and Barney McAlpine, although they were better at getting into trouble with Mike rather than keeping him out of trouble.
On June 2, 1973, Mike married the love of his life, Kathy Guthals. Kathy was his rock, his cheerleader, and his best friend. They shared 53 years together living a life they created and loved. In 1977, Mike and Kathy welcomed their only child, Melissa. Missy was Mike’s pride and joy and her biggest fan. He made sure she always had everything she needed including an infinite amount of love and opportunity.
Mike was blessed with a group of friends whose friendship spanned decades. They include Roger Henjum, Bill Powe, Tony Jones, Jerry Bowden and Cal Hengst.
Professionally, Mike’s career can only be described as true to himself and to the plan God had set in place for him. He spent his early days working for Town & Country Food Stores, selling cookware, and learning the car business from “Wild Bill”. Never one to enjoy working for someone else, Mike decided he was best suited to be his own boss. He opened a small car lot with Harold Watkins named Wild Bills Car Ranch. Eventually, Mike would open his own used car lot, Shooter Mac’s Auto Sales. Over the years, the car business began to change and Mike decided he wanted to do something new. He had always been an avid outdoorsman. With this, he developed a passion for sporting clays. He became a level 3 sporting clays instructor and was eventually chosen to lead the instructor program for the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA). This job allowed him to travel the country teaching, something he excelled at. His favorite trips were the ones where Kathy was free to travel with him. Clay target shooting wasn’t his only passion though. He loved fishing and hunting pheasant, deer, and quail. He especially loved hunting with his prized English pointers, Maxie, Gus and Kate.
Later in his life, Mike spent his life spoiling his grandchildren, Will, Lily, and Wesley Terrell. His priority was passing on the knowledge and wisdom that his family had given to him. Mike was also very proud of his son-in-law, Doug. Doug was the son that Mike never had and he couldn’t have been happier that Doug was in his family.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Kathleen & Laurence Guthals; brothers-in-law Larry & John Guthals and lifelong friend Cal Hengst. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughter Missy and her husband Doug; his sister Carol Dimmitt; his grandchildren Will, Lily & Wesley; and his “other daughter” Ellie, his loyal black lab. He is also survived by numerous cousins and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Concho Hearts Hospice and the Schleicher County Nursing Home for their compassion while caring for Mike.