Albert Edison McAllister
Albert Edison McAllister, 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 21, 2025.
Born on August 23, 1946, Al was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Edison McAllister and Mabel Townsend McAllister, and by his siblings, Mary Ann McAllister Nichols, Norman Gene McAllister, Juanita McAllister Newman, and Harry Lee McAllister. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Paulette McAllister; his children David McAllister (Suzanne), Kimberly McAllister Pagans, and Stacie Palmer (Daniel); his sister Linda McAllister Esparza; his grandchildren Keegan (Stephanie), Kayleigh, Jaxon, Jenna, Tristan, Elizabeth, and Samuel; and his great-grandson, Lincoln.
Al faithfully served his country for more than 22 years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. During his military career, he trained as a Photographic Repairman and later as a Radiological Engineer. He proudly served in Vietnam, where he experienced the Viet Cong Tet Offensive firsthand and often told the story of that night to his family. His repeated exposure to Agent Orange would take a lasting toll on his health in later years, a quiet cost he bore with characteristic resolve.
After retiring from the Air Force, Al began a second career that spanned more than two decades at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he maintained and repaired radiological equipment. He took his work seriously, often remaining on call and responding promptly to pages at all hours, so patients could receive timely, quality care. To those who depended on that equipment, his diligence made a difference far beyond what they ever knew.
Having grown up in poverty, Al became a man marked by generosity—intentional and often anonymous. Those closest to him knew that blessing others was not something he occasionally did, but something he purposefully sought out as a joy. He dedicated his life to servant leadership, fostering the growth, well-being, and empowerment of his family, colleagues, and community.
At the age of 40, after meeting Paulette, Al heard the gospel of Jesus Christ and placed his faith in Him as Lord and Savior. Al served as a deacon at Green Ridge Baptist Church for many years. For more than 20 years, Al coordinated a men’s golf retreat for Green Ridge, arranging every detail and frequently helping men attend out of his own pocket. God used those retreats to deepen the faith of many men and to bring others to saving faith in Christ.
In God’s providence, Al and Paulette transferred their membership to North Roanoke Baptist Church in 2014, and, in the following year, the Lord called Al’s son-in-law, Daniel, to serve there as Lead Pastor.
An avid golfer and fierce competitor, Al even took up crafting golf clubs as a hobby—selling them only for the cost of materials and often giving them away freely. His favorite golfing memories were defeating Orville “The Sarge” Moody in 1968, just one year before Moody went on to win the U.S. Open, and then placing 12th worldwide in the US Armed Forces Golf Championship in 1972.
Those who knew Al well also knew that he delighted in life and never took himself too seriously. He loved to laugh, to tease, and to keep those around him smiling. We will miss him as “Alfonso Aloysius,” we will miss “Joke 22,” and we will miss the many other hilarious shenanigans that became part of family lore. His humor was never cruel and never self-exalting—it was a gift he freely gave, a way of inviting others into joy and reminding us not to forget how good it is to laugh together.
Above all, Al loved his family with steadfast devotion. He deeply loved his wife, Paulette, cherishing her faithfully and sacrificially. He loved Kim deeply and particularly appreciated her help with medical appointments and personal care following his strokes. He loved Stacie as his own daughter, and he was especially proud of David’s career in the United States Navy. He was a constant presence at his children’s and grandchildren’s games, events, and milestones—always attentive, always encouraging.
Al McAllister will be remembered as a great husband, brother, father, and grandfather, an incredibly skilled and diligent worker, a patriot, a provider, a protector, and a loyal friend. More importantly, he will be remembered as a man redeemed by grace whose life bore a sure witness to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:30 AM at Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel with Dr. J. Michael Palmer and Rev. Daniel J. Palmer officiating.
Interment will follow services at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4 to 6 PM at Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Road Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Al’s memory may be made to North Roanoke Baptist Church, 6402 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019 (northroanoke.org).
