William McAllister

William Charles "Bill" McAllister, age 74, passed away February 1, 2017 in Longview, Texas. His death was caused from the effects of several strokes that he suffered over the past seven years. Bill was born June 29, 1942 to Charles A. McAllister and Virginia A. Williams McAllister (Vernor) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Bill graduated from Portage High School in 1960. He attended Culver Stockton College, located in Canton, MO. As a young man, he had a love of all sports, but especially basketball and a passion for the Boy Scouts of America. He loved camping, hunting, fishing and anything outdoors. In 1961, he married Jane Leslie Mahoney and together they had three children; Sarah Ann Shelton (1962), Amy Claire Drillette (1968), Charles David "Chip" McAllister Abernathy (1969). During his adult life he had an extensive career in Sales and Marketing working for various companies including Kalamazoo Food Service, Keebler, Latshaw Tool and Bevis Rope. In 1980, Bill married Diane Elizabeth Schelling in Evergreen, Colorado. Together, they had two children; Bradley Jay "BJ" McAllister (1981) and Jodi Lynn McAllister (1985). Their years of marriage were happily spent living in "God's Country" (Colorado) and Weston, Missouri. Later in his life, Bill moved to Texas to be closer to his older children. He spent several years in Tyler before moving to Longview where he spent the last years of his life at Treviso Transitional Care Facility. It was there that he met his very special companion, JoAnn Hendrix. Together they merged their families for a short time prior to her death in 2016. Bill is preceded in death by his father, Charles A. McAllister, his mother and step-father, Richard E. and Virginia A. Vernor, his Sister-In-Law, Pam McIntyre McAllister and granddaughter, Mary Jane Drillette. Bill is survived by his brothers Thomas (Roberta) McAllister and David (Alice) McAllister. Also surviving are his five children; Sarah (Chris) Shelton; Amy (Scott) Drillette; Chip (Jacque) Abernathy; BJ (Carly) McAllister; and Jodi McAllister. Nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Numerous nieces and nephews as well. Hawthorn Funeral Home.