Willard McAllister

BLAIRSVILLE — Mr. Willard K. McAllister, 83, of River Bend Road, passed away peacefully on Sunday Feb. 12, 2017, in the North East Ga. Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. McAllister was born on May 28, 1933, in Blue Ridge, Ga., the son of the late Ralph N. McAllister and the late Anna Witt McAllister. He graduated Blue Ridge High School, class of 1951. He served on active duty for more than 27 years during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). Some of his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorous Service Medal (4), Commendation Medal along with several other ribbons and badges. Willard also worked in civilian life as a safety supervisor for a large commercial trucking company and later for the USPS. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Lynn Williams in 2016; a sister, Willie Patton; and a brother, Earl McAllister. Willard was of the Protestant faith. Surviving Mr. McAllister are his loving wife of 62 years, Betty Jean Wilson McAllister, of Blairsville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Theresa McAllister, of Jacksonville, Fla., John P. and Rae McAllister, of Riverview, Fla.; two sisters, Edith Arnold of Monroe, Ga., Dorothy Meeks, of Marietta; one brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Louise McAllister, of Macon; a special nephew, Michael C. McAllister; five grandchildren, Emily Sanfratella, Matthew McAllister, Amanda Cosme, Heather Lingerfelt and Joshua McAllister; four great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive. Interment and graveside services will be held on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. from the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton with full military honors. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com.