Russell E. McAlister, age 89 of Nashville, Ark., went to his eternal home on Friday, May 12, 2017 in Little Rock, Ark.
Russell was born Feb. 7, 1928 in Dierks, Ark., to Arch and Dewey McAlister. He was the third son following William Harlan and Robert Herman, and to be followed shortly after by his beloved sister, Earnestine.
Russell graduated from Dierks High School in 1946. Known for his tenacity and athleticism, he excelled on the football field playing primarily tailback for the Outlaws. Upon graduation, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Army for a short time before enrolling at the University of Arkansas. While at the University, he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in education and a letter from the Razorback football team. He remained an avid supporter of the University and a football fan all of his days. In 1952 he reenlisted in the U.S. Army serving as lieutenant for another brief term. He then began his career working for the Dierks Lumber Company, but subsequently moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to work for W.K. Browne Lumber Company. In Louisville, he joined Bishop Roney Lumber Company and later became majority owner until he retired.
After a long courtship, Russell married Shirley in 1962 and together they made a home in Owensboro, Kentucky, for the next 34 years, raising their three children there. Upon his retirement, he and Shirley returned to their beloved home state of Arkansas. Long awaited and well received by family and friends. Russell settled in quickly and true to his nature, became active in the community.
Russell will be remembered by his friends as one who enjoyed life and lived it to its fullest and loved people. His loyalty, quick wit and sense of humor endeared him to many. His family will remember him for his affectionate nature, his faithfulness to us, and his deep love and devotion.
Preceding him in death, other than his parents, was one son, Thomas Franklin McAlister; a granddaughter, Lila Kate McAlister; two brothers, Harlan McAlister and Herman McAlister.
His survivors include: his best friend and the love of his life for over 54 years, his wife Shirley Lee McAlister, of Nashville, Ark.; two children, Jamie and husband, Brett Holiman, of Little Rock, Ark.; and Russell E. “Skip” and wife, Misty, McAlister of Hot Springs, Ark.; a sister, Earnestine Moore of Dierks, Ark.; six grandchildren, Meagan and husband David McCullough of Sherwood, Ark., Thomas Franklin McAlister of Hot Springs, Ark., Matthew Holiman of Dallas, Texas, Rebekah Holiman of Little Rock, Ark., Annelise Rose McAlister of Hot Springs, Ark., and John Thomas Holiman of Little Rock, Ark. A large host of other family and friends too numerous to name.
Services were Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with Bro. James Harris officiating. Interment followed in Center Point Cemetery under the direction of Nashville Funeral Home. The family received friends at the church from 12 until service time. You may send the family an online sympathy message to www.nashvillefh.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to I Love L.K. Memorial Fund 554 Beach View Circle, Hot Springs, AR 71913
