Reed Liggett McAlister

Reed was born in Claremore, OK, August 1, 1931 and grew up in Ponca City, OK, where he graduated from high school in 1949. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he served as president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He obtained a degree in Industrial Management Engineering and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps from NROTC upon graduation.

He married his loving wife Patricia Ann Darnold on June 6, 1953. In March 1954, he reported for duty at Quantico, VA, where he was stationed until transferred to Camp Pendleton, CA and deployed to Camp Fuji, Gotemba, Japan. He was discharged from active duty February 19, 1956, and continued his service as a reserve in the US Marine Corps where he was appointed the rank of Captain.

In March 1956 he joined Cities Service Oil Company in Bartlesville, OK, and was later placed in management positions in Norman, OK, Topeka, KS, and St. Louis, MO. In 1962 he was named Salesman of the Year in the Kansas City marketing division.

He was recruited to the newly developing fast food industry by Jack in the Box in Chicago, IL. His career in the food business included positions with Church’s Chicken, White Swan, and Sysco Food Service.

Upon his retirement in 1998, he became a member of Dallas Master Gardeners and served as president for two years.

In 2003, he began the reconstruction of an old farmhouse on his son-in-law’s property and enjoyed driving the tractor, growing tomatoes, raising chickens, and fishing in the ponds.

Reed dearly loved his children and grandchildren. He was a participant and supporter of everything involving them. He was a great husband, father, friend, and a true gentleman. He was a man of integrity with a wonderful sense of humor, and an excellent role model. Loved by everyone who knew him, Reed’s absence will leave a hole in many hearts.

Reed was preceded in death by his son, Reed D. McAlister, his brothers Wade and Parke, his parents Elizabeth Shannon and Reed Cunningham McAlister.

He is survived by his wife Pat, who had the privilege of loving him for 63 years, daughters Sheri Rhoades and husband Rocky, Jeni Chilton and husband Gene, son Tal McAlister and wife Jill, daughter-in-law Gwen McAlister, brother-in-law John Darnold and wife Casey, and grandchildren Christopher, Bryce and Shannon Chilton, Mitchell and Samantha McAlister, and Brandon and Dylan McAlister.

Reed was a member of First Baptist Church Richardson for 22 years and a member of the Mack Hampton Sunday School Class.