On Thursday, July 15, 2021 Terry Don McAlister, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away at the age of 72 peacefully in his home. Words fall short of describing the pure and unconditional love Terry demonstrated for his family. He had a wonderful heart, and always knew what was important. He had brilliant, perceptive one-liners when you needed them. Terry always gave his best, and his best was topnotch, in every aspect of his life, whether leading his high school football team to victory, serving his country, giving a phenomenal presentation at work, or for his family. A highly honorable man, it was always important to him to do what is right. In his younger years, he enjoyed Nascar racing, elk hunting in Montana, motorcycle riding, and he always enjoyed football, the mountains, and visiting Grandfather Mountain and the old swinging bridge. He had a beautiful voice and a deep appreciation for music. In his later years, he enjoyed teaching his granddaughter cards, how to ride a bike, shoot a bow and arrow, and many other things. More recently, he enjoyed taking walks on a beautiful day at Bass Lake and relaxing on his front porch. He appreciated the simple things in life. In addition to his parents, Lola Mae and John Lewis McAlister, he was preceded in death by his brother Harold Dean McAlister, sister Hayesalene Killian, and sister Wanda Gay Richards of Lincolnton. He is survived by his wife Anna, daughter Christy Jean, granddaughter Sonne Liese, sisters Betty Joe Cruse of Newton and Trilby Stockner and husband Jim of Newton, and brother-in-law Harold Killian. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grandfather Mountain at https://grandfather.com/support/make-a-donation/. Online condolences may be shared with the McAlister family at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the McAlister family.