From the Publisher

The Nashville community lost a great man on December 2nd, 2022, and I lost a good friend and colleague— Alton Kelley. An eighth generation Nashvillian, he lived an extraordinary life (though too short), always surrounded by family and friends. The Belle Meade Mansion and Belle Meade Winery boards discovered that he was terminally ill on October 28th. John Rochford immediately put together a food train to deliver meals to Alton and his wife, Sheree. On November 14th, there was a festive luncheon in the Carriage House of the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery, where Alton was honored for his 18 years as President of Belle Meade Mansion. Alton was recognized as the most successful President of any historic site in the history of Middle Tennessee. Then, sadly, just two weeks later, Alton passed. Later that week, a wonderful celebration of life was held at the Carriage House. I have never seen so many people at an event like this. There were well-wishers there who I didn’t realize even knew Alton. He was genuinely mourned by so many.

I first met Alton when I joined the board of the Belle Meade Winery in 2009, but I know that our paths must have crossed in the years prior. Alton went to BGA, I went to MBA, and we had many friends in common. We were both members of the Alpha Chi high school fraternity. As I got to know Alton, I admired his contagious enthusiasm, imaginative creativity, and persistence. Under Alton’s leadership, I watched the Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery transform from a site needing extensive attention to the top tourist destination it is today. This historic site has been so successful that fundraising events such as Fall Fest are no longer necessary to maintain the property. The Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery is now a fully selfsustaining not-for-profit. Here are just a few of Alton’s landmark accomplishments:

• Founded Belle Meade Winery

• Installed geothermal heating

• Repurposed the icehouse for tastings of Belle Meade Bourbon

• Built the Rochford Loft for the Culinary Arts over the stables for Belle Meade wine pairing dinners and tastings

• Converted the chicken coop into the Coop n’ Scoop ice cream store

Alton and Sheree, as a dynamic duo, were all about hospitality. There was always wine and something delicious at every board meeting, a charcuterie board, or a scrumptious dessert to try (Sheree is a marvelous and published chef). Every year, I looked forward to their Open House around Christmastime, where there was always an abundance of delicious food and fine spirits in their beautifully decorated home. Sadly, it was scheduled this year for December 4th. Alton was one month younger than me. Unfortunately, he was taken away from us way too soon, but he lived such a rich life during his time on earth. I have encountered many successful people over the years; Alton was one of the most successful in many ways. I’m lucky to have known him and called him my friend. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.