Mr. Willard K. McAllister age 83 of  Blairsville passed away peacefully on Sunday Feb. 12, 2017 in the North East GA Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. McAllister was born on May 28, 1933 in Blue Ridge, GA. the son of the late Ralph N. McAllister and the late Anna Witt McAllister. He graduated Blue Ridge High School Class of 1951. He served on active duty for more than twenty seven years during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). Some of his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorous Service Medal (4), Commendation Medal along with several other ribbons and badges. Willard also worked in civilian life as a safety supervisor for a large commercial trucking company and later for the USPS. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Lynn Williams in 2016, a sister, Willie Patton and a brother, Earl McAllister. Willard was of the Protestant faith.

Surviving Mr. McAllister are his loving wife of sixty two years, Betty Jean Wilson McAllister of Blairsville, two sons and daughters in law, Michael and Theresa McAllister of Jacksonville, FL., John P. and Rae McAllister of Riverview, FL., two sisters, Edith Arnold of Monroe, GA., Dorothy Meeks of Marietta, one brother and sister in law, Ernest and Louise McAllister of Macon, a special nephew, Michael C. McAllister, five grandchildren, Emily Sanfratella, Matthew McAllister, Amanda Cosme, Heather Lingerfelt and Joshua McAllister, four great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Interment and graveside services will be held on Monday February 20. 2017 at 9:30 am from the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton with full Military Honors. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com