McAlpin’s legal career includes running his own practice, in addition to working as the attorney for the Starkville School District and the Starkville Housing Authority.
When Starkville attorney Dolton McAlpin walked into the business office at Spruill Property Management on Friday, the atmosphere was one of surprise and appreciation as the local legal community gathered to celebrate his retirement.
He was given a sash and hat, both of which reflected his new retiree status, in addition to novelty business cards that said “ask someone else,” which brought a smile to the surprised McAlpin.
McAlpin’s legal career includes running his own practice, in addition to working as the attorney for the Starkville School District and the Starkville Housing Authority.
But after decades of fighting for others in courtrooms and leaving a lasting impact on the legal community, McAlpin — also an accomplished musician — will retire from practicing law.
“I cherish the friendship of all the lawyers,” he said to the crowd gathered to celebrate. “I’ve always enjoyed the company of other laws and never mores than today.”
Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill read a proclamation from the city of Starkville, praising McAlpin for his efforts and declaring Jan. 24 Dolton McAlpin Day in Starkville.
Spruill said one of her favorite memories of McAlpin involves her father and his friendship with the attorney.
“They would have meals together, so it was that kind of thing,” Spruill said. “He’s always been my go-to guy for deeds and research and he’s been a staple person in the area for decades. That’s part of what the proclamation said, he’s been so involved. If you needed a deed or land research. He’s just been a figure in the community for multiple ways. He’s been very special.”
Martha McAlpin will have been married to the new retiree for 25 years in June and called her husband the “best kept secret in Starkville.”
She praised her partner in life not only for his contributions to the community, but his willingness to be an involved and active parent.
When asked what made her husband the best kept secret in Starkville, Martha McAlpin said simply, “his heart.”
“It’s just his commitment to social justice and music and other people and doing the right thing,” she said, referring to her husband’s musical prowess — a talent that has seen the Ole Miss Law graduate and fan of Mozart play organ in many venues, from local churches to concert destinations like the Alabama Theater in Birmingham.
“He has the soul of a musician but practiced law to earn a living,” Martha McAlpin said. “His Dad wanted him to be a dentist.”
While many in the legal community will remember McAlpin’s skill in the courtroom, with stories being shared by many at his retirement party, his family saw a different man — one that was “slow to anger’ and always involved.
McAlpin’s daughter, Emily Morgan, who works as a speech and language pathologist for the West Point school system, shared some insight into the man who taught her so much.
“Dolton has worn a suit every day since my earliest memory,” Morgan said. “He safety pins his socks together before washing them and has ate for every dress shirt in his closet. Dolton is fully inclusive and lives without judgement of anyone. He taught us as children to make mistakes and learn from them, that all people are people and worthy of our love, and that decisions render consequences — whether they be good or bad.”
Morgan then said she believes her father ran his law practice in the same way he raised his children, with love, organization, and care.
“Dolton is a peacemaker, a guide a walking book of knowledge and has an uncanny ability to follow through,” Morgan said. “I asked him to check my school work for as long as I can remember and he would simply circle errors. I had to figure out the mistakes and make corrections — for which I am grateful.”
McAlpin’s stepson Greg Schuster, who works as an engineer for Toyota, referred to McAlpin as a constant source of support and love for his family.
Hi Ryan, this is Greg Schuster, stepson of Dolton McAlpin. My mom said you needed me to send a statement regarding him and his career for the Sunday paper. Please see below. I can also email it to you if that helps.
“I’ll always respect him for his kindness and patience, in spite of the occasional shenanigans that my sister and I put him through in junior high school and beyond,” Schuster said. “He also has always possessed an amazing work ethic and a very ‘slow to anger’ personality that I know has served him well in his distinguished career as an attorney.”
Schuster said he never saw McAlpin bring his work home with him, and was able to shrug off even the toughest days and not let it affect his family life.
“I’m very glad that he will now get to put those great character traits to work to work pursuing his greater passions, such as playing the organ and cello, singing in the church choir, visiting with family and friends, and bouncing his soon-to-be four grandchildren on his knee and reading to them.
“He has truly been a servant both to his profession and to his family,” Schuster added. “Hopefully he enjoys getting to set aside one of those things so he can relax and put more focus on himself (for a change).”