July 3, 1948 - February 22, 2021

Gary Dennis McAlister passed away on February 21, 2021 in Nocona, Texas. Gary was born on July 3, 1948 in Vernal, Utah. He was a loving son to Vada and Bernard McAlister and a beloved brother to his 3 siblings Gaylon, Montez and Milton. They are all together now.

He is survived by his son Tyler McAlister and the memories in the hearts of anyone that knew him.

Gary was a military man for a good portion of his life. From the ARMY to the NAVY and eventually taking care of veterans like himself with home care. He was a teacher, lecturer, reverend and a doctor amongst many other accomplishments. Gary served his God, his country and his community with a great sense of love, pride and duty.

Everyone was his family. He was a member of the VFW as he served in many missions over seas. Gary had a passion for the arts, photography and playing music. He was the type of person that genuinely wanted to help people with no expectations of anything in return other than to be happy.

Gary and I shared 23 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories. We met in Okinawa while in VP1, he came in the admin office and in an attempt to break the ice said to me "You know my favorite law is coleslaw." He was referring to my last name, which he misread. My name at the time was Cote. That started our friendship that turned into love. I have always loved him and I will never stop. - Anita McAlister

I served in VP-17 with him. Gary was the best Chief a division ever had. He was always positive and looked out for everyone. I recall many evenings in his quarters preparing for my Sensor One Board. It’s like Gary crammed everything ASW into my head, and he dumbed it down for me so I would understand it. I aced that review board and I couldn’t have done it without him. I’m not even sure if he liked me. He was just being Gary and doing his job. As Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t Cry Because It’s Over; Smile Because It Happened.” He definitely added to my life. Thank you Chief! Go with God. - Eddie Kautzman

Hello to my father's community. My name is Tyler McAlister and i am Gary's son. It hurts me to say this but my father has passed. He was a good father and friend. I dont know many people in his life as him and i reconnected later in our lifes. I do know that he was loved and respected by many people. Please feel free to reach out and leave comments. Thank you ahead of time for the condolences and love. Bless. - Tyler McAlister

Gary was at the 50th and cornered anyone and everyone in at least a half hour conversation. How sad to hear of his passing. - Debbie Anthony