Mr. John Franklin McAllister
December 14, 1934 ~ October 12, 2015
Marietta Southern Cremations & Funerals
John Franklin McAllister, 80, graduated from this earth on October 12. Funeral service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 at Saint James Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia.
John was born in Sistersville, West Virginia. He graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in History from Duke University in 1956, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and was a Woodrow Wilson fellow at Princeton University for graduate studies. He served as press secretary for West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood from 1957-1961 and it was there that he met his wife, the former Wallis "Wally" Jane Lambert. They were married in 1960 and raised four children. John left the public sector for a career in public affairs and spent 30 years with E.I. du Pont de Nemours in Wilmington, Delaware; London, England and Geneva, Switzerland. After retiring from DuPont, John continued to work in public relations as an independent consultant and rejoined Governor Underwood as speechwriter for his 2000 reelection campaign. He and Wally moved to Bluffton, SC, and Marietta, GA, in later years.
John is survived by his wife, Wallis Lambert McAllister and children Laura Maurice, Sarah McAllister, John McAllister and David McAllister; their spouses Richard Maurice, James Raccioppi, and Melody McAllister; and grandchildren Christopher Maurice, Sean Maurice, Olivia Maurice, Spencer McAllister, Kristi Davis, Jessica McAllister and Matthew Merward.
John was a scholar with a gentle soul and a kind heart. His wisdom, quiet strength and wit will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to hospice: Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain, 475 Dickson Avenue, Marietta, GA 30064.
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‘May your memories of John serve as comfort to all who love him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.’
‘I fondly remember John’s gentle wit, wisdom, and the sparkle in his eye. Our lives are better because we knew and loved him. Sending all my best wishes.’
‘sorry to hear of your loss. he was a lovely person.’
‘I know Mr. McAllister only through his son, but know him to be a kind and gentle man because of his son John. I pray that your memories give you comfort and that your families give you strength.’
‘My sincerest condolences to the McAllister Family. May the God of all comfort (Psalms 83:18) help you during these difficult times.’
‘Lois and Lou Lunardini send good thoughts and grand memories from Rose Hill. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you,” the Master said. Christ is with you all, and John is with Christ.’
‘John was a great mentor and close friend that I will always keep close to my heart. He and Wally and the entire Family are special people that have always included me as part of their clan. John was the quiet one at the helm that always shared his wisdom, humor and guidance that contributed to so much of my life.’
‘There are no words to express my profound sorrow that John is no longer with us. That gentle man will be sorely missed. As the sun lights up the sky at dawn; he lite up the lives of so many. May the good Lord guide his gentle soul to the eternal rest that he so richly deserves.’
‘John was so special… Brains, friendship, and above all wit that was so quick, you had to be on top of it. Will miss this wonderful human…’
‘To my friends, John and Jimmy here in New Jersey, and to all of their family I send heartfelt sympathy to all of you on the loss of your beloved Dad.
Dear John and Jimmy, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. John, I have some lovely memories you had shared of your stories about your folks and your growing up abroad when your Dad worked in Europe. I hope your sweetly, treasured memories of your loving Dad will help you through this difficult time.’
‘My condolences
As you grief the loss of Mr. John, please find comfort and strength in knowing that”God will wipe away the tears from your eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more the former things have passed away.”‘