Paul McAlister Obituary

McALISTER, Paul LAURENS, SC - Retired businessman, lawyer, philanthropist and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Clemson University, Paul W. McAlister died January 16, 2008. Son of the late J. Thomas McAlister and Mae B. McAlister, he was born June 30, 1919. After P. W. graduated from Spartanburg High School, where he was president of the student body, he went to Clemson University and graduated in 1941. In World War II, he was an infantry officer and served in combat with distinction throughout the Pacific Theatre. In 1952 he graduated first in his class from the University of South Carolina Law School. He was a member of the Society of Wig and Robe. P.W. was active in community and church affairs. He served as Chairman of the Board of the First United Methodist Church of Laurens, and was active on numerous commissions and committees of the church. He also served on the Laurens School District 55 Board of Trustees. He was a Mason and Shriner and founded the Laurens County Shrine Club. In 1973 he was elected to the Clemson University Board of Trustees and served for seventeen years. Clemson University honored him with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award, and the Clemson Medallion, the highest recognition bestowed by the University. Wofford College awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. P.W. believed strongly in helping others. In addition to his many contributions to Clemson, he established the Laurens Family YMCA, and has been its largest benefactor. In 1974, he and his wife, Bobbie, established the William Hastings McAlister Scholarship Program at Wofford in memory of their son, Hastings, a pre-medical student at Wofford. This endowment provides four year scholarships for pre-medical students. To date, this program has produced many doctors and currently supports four pre-medical students at Wofford. In 2000, he established The McAlister Foundation to assist local students and charities, schools and colleges. After the death of his wife, their entire estates will go to this foundation. In the 1960's, under his leadership, the Laurens Glass Company became the fastest growing producer of high quality glass containers in the United States. He led Laurens Glass into a highly successful merger with Indian Head, Inc., a nationwide conglomerate, and served on Indian Head's Board of Directors from 1970 until 1978. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Barbara Dial McAlister, a son, Albert Dial McAlister, a grandson, A. Dial McAlister, Jr., and a granddaughter, Camille Hastings McAlister. The family is at 788 West Main Street, Laurens, South Carolina. Following a private interment, a memorial service will be conducted at the First United Methodist Church, Laurens, South Carolina, at Friday January 18th at 2pm. Those desiring, may make memorials to a charity of one's choice or to The McAlister Foundation, 104 Creek Drive, Laurens, South Carolina, 29360. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.