Michael McKeehan Aiken
Dr. Michael McKeehan Aiken, a physician, investor, and mentor whose rare combination of intellect, faith, humor, and fierce compassion left an enduring mark on those who knew him, died on July 21, 2025, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, surrounded by his adored family. He was 72.
Aiken was born and raised in Chattanooga, the third of five children of Dr. William P. Aiken and Lorraine A. Aiken. He graduated from Baylor School, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He practiced emergency medicine before moving into healthcare, finance, and real estate.
He was sharply intelligent, with a quick wit and a steel-trap memory. Conversations with him ranged from golf history to economics to scripture, from the teachings of Jesus to the battlefields of World War II. Friends and family knew him as a brilliant mind and a deeply tender presence—generous with his insight, unwavering in his belief in others, and committed to lifting the people around him.
The center of his life was his family. Above all, he loved his wife of 45 years, Meg and their daughters, Eleanor and Molly, with constant humor and ceaseless delight. He drew out their strength, encouraged their questions, and always got a kick out of family time.
Aiken’s legacy lives in people, not accolades.
He listened when others turned away. He showed up. He followed through. He saw others not just as they were, but as they could be—and helped them move toward that truth. To many, he was the most loyal friend, the wisest voice, the one who made the call that mattered. To more than a few, he was simply the best man they’d ever known. A hero.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret (Meg) Aiken; his daughters, Eleanor (Big E) Aiken (Brennan Ledford) and Molly (Mawa) Aiken; and his grandson, Archie Sullins Ledford. He is also survived by his siblings: William (Bill)Aiken Jr., Robert (Bob) Aiken, Elizabeth (Beth) Aiken, Jeffrey (Jeff) Aiken along with many nieces, nephews, countless friends and his dogs the Good Gurl, Petunia Grace and Zipperdeedoodah.
The family extends deep gratitude to the ICU team at Memorial Hospital’s Neurological Intensive Care Unit, especially Dr. Jess Tucker and his exceptional team of doctors and nurses whose expertise and compassion sustained both Mike and his family in his final days. We cannot thank you enough.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the homeless man under the bridge, the bus boy at the restaurant, an extra tip for the valet drivers, buy dinner for the person next to you at the bar, and don’t forget to always leave great!
A celebration of life will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at The Lookout Mountain Golf Club, Lookout Mountain, Ga. (The memorial service starts at 4 p.m.) Casual and/or golf attire please.