In memoriam: Alan Sallee Sr.

Alan Sallee Sr., vice president of Mid South Aluminum, based in Jackson, Tennessee, died Oct. 29 at the age of 85.

Recovered aluminum brokerage firm Kripke Enterprises Inc. (KEI), headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, acquired the aluminum coil distributor in 2017.

Sallee’s life was marked by a deep commitment to family; his wife, Kathleen; his faith; and the Marine Corps, whose values shaped his character and career, KEI writes in an email mourning his death. “Alan’s dedication to his work was matched only by his love for those closest to him, and his legacy is one of integrity, leadership and service.”

After graduating from St. Xavier High School high school in Louisville, Kentucky, Sallee enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, playing on the basketball team. He was offered a basketball scholarship to Villanova University, graduating in 1965 with a degree in education. 

His career in the aluminum industry began in 1965 and took him from Reynolds Metals to Phelps Dodge, where he rose to national leadership roles before starting his own ventures, including Advanced Aluminum, Volunteer Aluminum and Mid South Aluminum.

While Sallee was passionate about his work in the aluminum industry, KEI says his true passion was his family. He was married to Kathleen for 59 years, and they had seven children, including Alan Sallee Jr, who serves as senior vice president of Mid South Aluminum, and 12 grandchildren.

“His values of hard work, dedication and love for those around him will continue to inspire all of us at Mid South Aluminum and Kripke Enterprises,” KEI says.

The Sallee family will receive friends and loved ones Sunday, Nov. 3, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 4 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jackson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating in Alan’s memory to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.

“We will miss Alan’s guidance and leadership, but his vision and passion will live on through the continued success of Mid South Aluminum,” KEI says. “Please join us in keeping his family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”