Danny Dwight McAlister

Dan McAlister, known to many as Pappy, was a godly example of endurance, devotion, leadership, and compassion.

Growing up in Northwest Arkansas in a coal mining town, he lost his father early in life to a mining accident. His father’s name is memorialized on the Coal Mining Memorial in Greenwood. His mother remarried and the family moved to a farm in Witcherville. Being the middle of three children on a farm, he learned quickly the value of hard work - a lesson that would remain evident throughout his life. It was because of that move, Dan would say, that he met the love of his life. Dan and Jean were married December 23, 1951, and began their lifelong adventures together. When he joined the United States Air Force it often took him away from home. Sometimes traveling overseas, he returned with gifts for his darling Jean, as he affectionately called her. Soon, they began building a family of their own, welcoming two daughters, followed by a son.

After his time in the Air Force, Dan began a career managing retail stores such as Gibson’s, Howard’s and Wal-Mart that continued to move the family every few years. It wasn’t always easy, but together they endured. Dan was loved and respected by those who worked with him because of his devotion to his job and his compassion for people. He was known to say “if you watch the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves,” to employees and family. A motto he not only repeated but lived by. He carried these qualities with him to many Wal-Mart stores throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. His hard work and leadership earned him recognition within the company as store manager.

Retirement certainly didn’t mean slowing down for Dan and Jean. They stayed busy and active and could be found at garage sales on Saturday and church on Sunday. They also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in their Mini Winnie, camping with family, or attending festivals and bluegrass concerts. Dan loved bluegrass music so much that he taught himself to play guitar, often playing instruments that he refurbished himself. A talented woodworker, he spent many hours creating in his shop and generously gifted many of the projects to his children and grandchildren. He was also an avid fisherman and participated in tournaments receiving many trophies.

When Dan and Jean weren’t traveling, their home was a gathering place for family to visit, laugh, and be together. A visit might find you in their garden picking from the array of fruits and vegetables that would be enjoyed during meals. Throughout their adventures, whether on the road or at home, Pappy and Granny shared their lives generously with everyone they loved. In doing so, they gave their family memories that will last a lifetime and stories to share with generations to come.

Dan is a member of Highland Park Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas, and former member of Hope First Baptist Church in Hope, Arkansas.

Preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Jean McAlister; daughter, Brenda Boren; son, Alan McAlister; mother, Nell McAlister-Cole; father, Harris McAlister; step father, Norris Cole; brother, Jim McAlister; and sister, Sue Harrelson.

Survived by his daughter, Dana Roberson of Texarkana, TX. Six grandchildren Brant Boren of San Diego, CA; Amity Payne of Katy, TX; James Boren of Springdale, AR; Brooke Alston of Mt. Pleasant, TX; Shelly Sullivan of Texarkana, TX; Brock McAlister of Longview, TX; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and other family.

Service will be 3:00 pm Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Rosewood Park Cemetery,1884 FM 1844 Longview, TX. Visitation will be held before the service at 2:30 pm for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Highland Park Baptist Church, Texarkana, Texas, or First Baptist Church, Hope, Arkansas.

Condolences may be left at www.eastfuneralhome.com