John McAlister, Jr

Entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 31, 2018, John McAlister, Jr. widower of Sara Harris McAlister. The relatives and friends of John McAlister, Jr. are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at Bethel United Methodist Church. Interment, St. Lawrence Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy.

John was born August 13, 1932, in Charleston, SC, the oldest son of the late John and Alice Dell Rustin McAlister. He attended the downtown Craft Elementary School and graduated Porter Military Academy. After a three-year tour of duty in the US Army, during the Korean Conflict, John graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science Class of 1953 in Nashville, TN. He worked 60 years at John McAlister, Inc as a Funeral Director and past president where he was warm, welcoming, and supportive to grieving families. 

John was a life-long member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Life Member BPO Elks Lodge 242, the Charleston Yacht Club (International Order of the Blue Gavel as past Commodore) where he successfully advocated for women to be permitted to join as full members, Honorary Life Member Hibernian Society of Charleston, the General William Moultrie Chapter of The S.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Charleston Sail & Power Squadron of the United States Power Squadrons, Associate Member Charleston Ocean Racing Association (CORA), member and past president Optimist Club of Charleston, co-founder of F.A.S.S (Friday Afternoon Sipping and Sailing), member and past president South Carolina Irish Historical Society, the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, Served on the SC Board of Funeral Service and the Lions Club. His friendliness and deep knowledge of all things Charleston made him a great source for family information and history. 

Johnny’s wife Sara, was the love of his life. They were married 56 years at the time of her death in 2016. Together they enjoyed boating, dinner parties, shag dancing and entertaining friends and family. After Sara talked him into taking transatlantic flights, they quickly agreed on Ireland as their favorite travel destination. As Sara fought a strong battle with cancer, Johnny remained steadfastly by her side, a loving caretaker and advocate. 

John is survived by his son, Benjamin H. McAlister and his wife, Shanon Marcus McAlister; grandsons: J. B. Scott McAlister and his wife, Ashley, of Conway, SC, and Ryan P. McAlister of Columbia, SC; his brother, Bradwell R. McAlister and his wife, Linda, of Gainesville, GA, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was predeceased by his son, John Scott McAlister and granddaughter, Melinda A. Carter (daughter of Shanon and Benjamin). Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 2090 Executive Hall Rd., #130, Charleston, SC 29407, The Hibernian Foundation, 105 Meeting St. Charleston, SC 29401 or Bethel U.M.C. 57 Pitt St., Charleston, SC 29401. 

Online Condolences: James A. McAlister Funerals and Cremation

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