James “Earl” McAllister, 96 of Piketon, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Traditions at Bristol Village. He was born on April 9, 1928 in Pike County to the late Harry Delbert McAllister and Ivy “Goldie” Merritt McAllister. On June 27, 1953 he was united in marriage to the jewel of his life, Ruth Ilena Matthews McAllister who preceded him in death on August 26, 1999. Surviving is his daughter; Mary Ruth (Gary) Leslie; granddaughter, Amanda (Terry Lee) Tackett; niece, Ann (Don) Trainer Spicer; nephew, Dr. John (Katie) Radford; many nieces and nephews; brothers and sisters in law, Jack (Wilma) Weeter, Arnold (Janet) Matthews, Rosetta Minor, Suzanne Matthews, Connie and Ronnie; and special friends, Dan and Sharon. In addition to his wife and parents, Earl was preceded in death by his son; James McAllister and sisters; Ruth Doris (Bob) Trainer, Nettie McAllister and Mary (Dick) Radford; and brothers and sisters in law, Richard and Katie Matthews, Leroy Hefner, Paul Minor, George Matthews, Carl Yearger.
To earn money, Earl delivered grit paper on bicycle, hauled milk cans in his wagon and loaded railroad ties, sometimes making 25 cents a day. A proud veteran of the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany for two years where he drove a Jeep for the company commander. He was employed at Mead Paper Mill in Chillicothe for almost 40 years, and for 20 years of that he was a foreman in the cutter room. Many of his coworkers referred to him as “Mac”. Earl has been a lifetime member at Bethel Church of Christ in Christian Union. Over those years he served in various areas including first elder, third elder and trustee. He was dedicated to serving God.
The family would like to send their deepest and sincere thanks to the caring caregivers at Bristol Assisted Living. Earl had a special affection to “Tiger Two” and “Tiger Three”. They appreciate all the care and compassion Earl received through Adena Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Bethel Chapel Fellowship Hall Fund, 114 Upper Rd. Piketon, Ohio 45661.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 14th at Bethel Church of Christ in Christian Union. Burial will follow in Smith Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Botkin Hornback Funeral Home in Waverly and from 10:30 until the time of the service at the church on Friday.
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