Funeral services for Mr. C.A. “Bud” McAlister, Jr., age 87, of Manchester will be conducted Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 3:00 PM at the First Baptist Church Manchester with Dr. Brenton Cox officiating.
Burial will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with Naval Military Honors.
Visitation will be held Saturday evening from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Coffee County Funeral Chapel.
Mr. McAlister passed away Friday, January 11, 2013 at the Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro.
He was born September 5, 1925 in Knoxville, Tennessee the son of the late Charles Abram McAlister, Sr., and Ruth Dimple Miller McAlister. Upon finishing school, Bud entered the United States Navy on December 27, 1943 and achieved the rank of Radioman Second Class. He served during WWII on the USS LSM 117 and received the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on May 10, 1946 and returned home to Knoxville where he met his soon to be bride, Mary Jane Smith. The two courted from May until October and married on October 12, 1946. In the early 1950’s the family moved to Manchester, where Bud was employed at ARO, now AEDC. He retired in 1988 after 33 years of service as Supervisor of Communications. In earlier years, Bud was instrumental in starting Little League Baseball in Manchester and served on the Manchester City School Board for over 10 years. He was the last surviving Charter Member of the Manchester Lion’s Club. Bud enjoyed riding his bicycle, bowling, working on his computer, watching UT Football and the Lady Vols and most of all spending time with is grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also had a gift for woodworking having made several special items such as a cradle and quilt racks for his family. He was a devoted member of First Baptist Church for 59 years. Bud will be dearly missed by all who have known him and his smile.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Jane Smith McAlister of Manchester; four daughters, Teresa Lynn McAlister Brown and husband, Leonard of Hendersonville, TN; Susan McAlister Jernigan and husband, Mike of Tullahoma, TN; Robin McAlister Shofner and husband, Jack of Manchester; and Anita McAlister Callaway and husband, Mike of St. Simons Island, GA; twelve grandchildren, Rob, Chad and Ryan Clayton, Kell Jernigan, Tracey Dimon, Kristen Fishback, Camille Hatfield, Whit Shofner, Justin Callaway, Kimberly Rodenberg, Courtney Callaway and Allie Royal; and six great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister, Catherine Galyon of Knoxville, TN and a brother, Donald G. McAlister of Oak Ridge, TN and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Memory of Bud to the First Baptist Church “Finish the Work” Building Fund Project, 1006 Hillsboro Blvd, Manchester, TN or to the Manchester Lion’s Club.
Coffee County Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Mr. C.A. “Bud” McAlister.