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Paul Sidney McAllister, age 74, died on Labor Day, September 2, 2024, in the arms of his beloved wife. He had suffered a multi-year battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. Paul married the love of his life, Patricia Frances Barfield, on December 7, 1974, in Warner Robins, GA. He was a super proud Dad of their son, SSG Andrew Chad McAllister, Fort Moore, Columbus, GA.
Born on February 11, 1950, in Miami, FL, to Sidney Barnard McAllister and Barbara Jane Osborne McAllister, Paul is preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Albie Landwehr, and his much-loved dogs, Kinsey, Samurai, and Sizzle. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter-in-law, Sophie Lampru McAllister of Fort Moore, Columbus, GA. He is also survived by two sisters, Jane Adrianse and Barbara Landwehr of Asheville, NC, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Paul graduated from the University of Georgia with a Master’s degree in Demography and spent his 33-yr career with the U. S. Census Bureau in Atlanta and Denver.
Paul loved God and celebrated His magnificent presence in the natural world. He loved hiking, running, and biking. Paul coached his son’s soccer, baseball, and basketball teams. He climbed over a dozen of Colorado’s 14’ers and hiked around the U.S. and the world during a lifetime of travel. He ran the Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon. Paul and Andrew ran a number of Peachtree Road Races together. Paul and Kinsey ran and hiked over 5,000 miles during her 15-yr life.
Paul loved music from Bob Dylan to Johnny Cash and James Brown, American Indian, classical, and movie soundtracks. He loved to read. He also loved his St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and UGA Bulldogs. Exercise and staying current with world news and politics was critical to Paul’s daily being.
Paul leaves behind a loving community of family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held during the 2025 baseball season. Memorial donations can be made to Defenders of Wildlife, dear to Paul’s heart for their focus on wolf conservation. [defenders.org, select Menu Icon top right, select Support, Scroll to Give in Honor… or call 800-385-9712; notification email milehimacs@aol.com]
Mark Hendrick says
A great friend and great man! I have many fond memories of time shared with Paul. From mountain climbs to hikes to conversations about books, sports, movies and current events. We shared similar interests and enjoyed spending time together just chatting over a beer. Great laughs too! I will remember all of those times. My deepest sympathies and wishes for your comfort and peace.
Jeff and Kim Von Feldt says
Dear Pat and family:
We are so sorry for your loss of Paul. He was full of life and we would often see him jogging down the snowy street even in 5 degree weather! We have loved having you both as our neighbors.
May God give you all comfort during this difficult time, and may your happy memories of Paul remind you of a life well lived.
Hugs and prayers to you all.
Jeanette & Ken Garmon says
Dear Pat and family
Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time.
We didn’t know Paul very well but what I do remember most was seeing him pulling in and out of the driveway with his bicycle attached and thinking “wow I wish I had his energy.”
I know God has given you both many many happy years together. Hold on to those memories as they will be with you always
Karen Love says
Dear Mrs.Pat and Family I send my condolences.Mr.Paul was a great person I really enjoyed my time that I spent with him we would have some great conversations about his life and sports. He always was full of love and energy.
Thanks for the memories 💙
Barry & Kori Stevelman says
I affectionately called Paul “BigMac”, and he was like a father to me.
We enjoyed so many great times together, including hundreds of miles of trails with our dogs, baseball games both in Denver and Los Angeles, and just hanging out discussing sports, music or politics.
Our catch phrases when we chatted by phone or email/text were “start talking” and “that’s what I’m talking about”.
Our hearts hurt, my wife and I will truly miss him but know he is now at peace. 🙏
Bruce & Ann Williams says
I (Bruce) worked with Paul in the Atlanta Regional Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. We started close to the same time and worked together for a number of years between the late 70’s and in the 80’s. We both were part of a cohesive group that accomplished a lot of good things during that time. He, too, was known as “Big Mac” to us at that time. Then transfers happened but we remained in touch, occasionally working on the same project and even crossing paths as travel dictated. He was always enjoyable to be with, truly one of the good people, someone you want to know and call him your friend. My wife and I extend our deepest condolences to you, Pat, and your family for your loss.
Mike Garner says
Paul worked for me at the Atlanta Regional Office of the Census Bureau during the late 80’s and early 90’s. Paul was a fine man. I am so sorry to see him gone. I appreciated his smile and his uncommon work ethic. I pray blessings on his family.
John goode says
Although I didn’t know Paul well, I did have occasional times to talk with him and laugh with him. I never felt any negativity from him and respected him very much. Condolences to his family.