Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola and City Manager Bruce T. Moore issued the following statement of condolences upon the death of Little Rock's 63rd Mayor, Alaexander M. "Sandy" Keith.

The City of Little Rock mourns the passing of our friend Alexander M. “Sandy” Keith, Little Rock’s 63rd Mayor.

Though it has been 25 years since Sandy sat on the City Board, his presence is still felt at City Hall. Along with other past Little Rock Mayors, his official portrait hangs in the City Board Chambers. But more than just having a picture on a wall, his philosophy about City government pervades.

Sandy stressed that the primary functions of municipal government were to “put bad guys in jail, put out fires, and pick up the trash.” Our top priorities continue to include public safety and public works. During annual budget sessions, Sandy and his philosophy are often cited by members of the City Board of Directors and City staff.

We know that his twelve years on the City Board was just a portion of the service Sandy Keith gave to Little Rock and the greater community. The Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Council, Arkansas Board of Accountancy, St. Vincent’s Infirmary Facilities Board, Economic Opportunity Agency, and the Little Rock Advertising and Promotion Committee all benefitted from his vision and leadership. We also appreciate his service to his country as a Lieutenant (jg) in Naval Reserve during World War II.

On behalf of the Little Rock City Board of Directors and the City Hall staff, we express our condolences to the family of Sandy Keith: wife, Leah; children, Alex, Frances, and Leah; and granddaughter, and to his many friends. He will be missed, but his legacy will continue.