Johnny Ray McAlister (Hartville)'s Obituary
Johnny “Country John” McAlister, son of Ray Edward and Ruby Lee Cantrell McAlister, was born March 24, 1949 in Greenville, South Carolina. He departed this life Saturday, March 31, 2012 in Seymour, Missouri at the age of sixty-three years and seven days.
He was preceded in death by his son Abram on July 11, 1997; his parents; and a sister, Joan Phillips.
John is survived by his wife, Patti McAlister of the home; two daughters, Hannah Barber and husband Kyle of Branson, Missouri; Sarah Verow of Hartville, Missouri; grandchildren, Gavin and McKenzie Verow, Eli and Dillon Barber; as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends.
Country John was born in South Carolina and was a graduate of Traveler’s Rest High in the class of 1967. Following his graduation from Gaston Junior College, John and his guitar traveled all across the country, playing wherever there was a listening ear and a solid beat. John and his guitar were inseparable.
John met Patti and they moved to Missouri in 1973, eventually making Hartville their home in 1975. He owned and operated Country John’s Custom Cabinets in Mansfield for many years, and was still making cabinets and doing other custom woodworking at the time of his death.
John had accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of Little Creek Baptist Church. His church and church family were central in his life, he was involved with Men’s Encounter, played acoustic guitar with Higher Vision for a number of years, and designed and helped to build the new church several years ago.
John’s family was important to him. He never missed one of Sarah’s basketball games and was “PaPa” to his grandchildren. He played Santa Clause for a number of years and was involved with many other activities in his community.
Country John was a loving father, grandfather, husband, and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.
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