I was born Sept. 16, 1933, and I passed into glory on Jan. 17, 2023. In the 89 years between, I have had a wonderful life. To have lived this long with as few significant illnesses, have such a loving family, and count hundreds of people as my friends, have been a blessing to me. I’ve been a student, and I’ve been a teacher. I’ve been a coach, a principal, and a superintendent. I’ve been a lobbyist for better public education in the great state of Tennessee. I’ve been the husband to two lovely and amazing women, father to one child, and stepdad to three. I am the grandfather to two children (one of whom bears my name). I was blessed with two loving parents, a brother, and a sister, and I am an uncle to their children and families. I’ve written many letters to the editor of The Tennessean and written more poems than you can imagine (yes, I am a poet)! I learned to square dance, and all the ladies wanted to dance with me! I taught myself how to play harmonica as I drove the highways of Tennessee. I hung out with church Olympians in our backyard, and I hunted for and moved large rocks to build the waterfall of our Koi pond. I kissed the Blarney Stone on a trip with daughter No. 1. I’ve danced a jig with daughter No. 2 at Bluegrass Night at the Ryman. I’ve been to all 50 states, and cranked ice cream on the porch. I built chicken coops, and I lived on a Navy minesweeping ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I was pretty good at crossword puzzles and pretty sad at working my computer. I played golf with a lot of nice guys, drove for Meals on Wheels, and sang for folks in the nursing homes. I accepted Jesus as my Savior and put my trust in Him. My favorite spot was sitting in our swing on the patio listening to the waterfall and humming old church hymns. Life has been sweet for the most part. Hard times came and went, but Love conquered all! I know those who loved me will have an awful empty place in their hearts but remember me with joy.

Love, Don

Funeral Services for Mr. McAlister were held Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at the Donelson Church of Christ, 2706 Old Lebanon Road in Nashville to share memories and stories, followed by a Celebration of Life Service. Interment was Monday Jan. 23, 2023, at the Riverview Memorial Gardens, 119 River Drive in Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HermitageFH.com for the McAlister family.