William Mccallister

After a courageous fight against cancer, TSGT. William E. McCallister (retired) passed away on June 23, 2006 at 5:00 pm EST in the evening. He was born to Roy and Athalea McCallister on September 7, 1934 in McCorkle, West Virginia. Mr. McCallister joined the United States Air Force at age 19. During 20 years of service he earned several medals and acknowledgements for excellence and marksmanship. In March 1974 he retired from the military and continued working in Civil Service at the Veterans Administration Facility. He advanced to Chief of the Warehouse and retired in 1990 after 15 years. Along with his best friend and loving wife Jean, he worked with the Boy Scouts of America pack and troop # 278 for 10 years. During this period of his life he was a devoted leader for the Cub Scouts, as well as the Boy Scouts. Bill was committed to being a good role model to the boys under his care. Many of these young men went on to earn the Eagle Scout distinction award under his wise guidance. Mr. McCallister is pre-deceased by his son William M. McCallister and two granddaughters: Sharon A. McCallister and Gabriella P. Camacho. Family members left to honor his memory include his loving and devoted wife of 31 years Alice Jean McCallister. Six surviving children include: Debbie (Doug) Custer, Lesa (James) Tessensohn, Rick (Janice) Pringle, Belinda (Alan) Copas, Leah (Thom) Moss, and Patrick (Heather) McCallister. 11 grandchildren include: David and Jacob Custer, Mandy (Tony) Camacho, Jeanna Tessensohn, Jessica (Joey) Hatcher, Zachary, Olivia and Hannah Moss, Jeremiah (Amee) Redden, Josh (Heather) Copas, Jennifer Lyons and Matthew Copas. 6 Great grandchildren include: Eyan and Noah Hatcher, Abigail Camacho, Gage and Gatlin Copas and Kayden Lyons. Surviving brother and sister include: Pauline Clark, Delmer Bud McCallister, a sister in law: Betty McCallister, as well as myriad nieces and nephews. Mr. McCallister raised his children and guided his scouts the way he lived his life; with honor, integrity, honesty, deep convictions, compassion and humor. Whether family member or friend this man made a difference in the lives he touched and will be deeply missed.