WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ronald B. McAlister, age 65, of Big Rapids, formerly of Sturgis, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022. He was born in Elkhart on September 6, 1956, the son of Robert and Helen (Ergott) McAlister. Ron was a hard worker who always had a job plus multiple side jobs and was active in his community. He was employed by the White Pigeon Public School System as facility maintenance for 28 years and a volunteer firefighter with the White Pigeon Township Fire Department for 15 years. Ron also was a member of White Pigeon Township Grange. After retiring from these positions, he moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to his family and began working with Flint hauling heavy equipment for several years.
Ron eventually moved to Big Rapids where he made his home that he loved. He had a passion for motorcycles and going fast; Ron professionally raced Nitromethane Harleys for eight years. He enjoyed the outdoors.
Ron is survived by his two children, Aaron (Gwen) McAlister and Ashlee Hambright; six grandchildren, Dominick, Kaydin, Jaice, McKenna, Peyton, and Jake; eight siblings, Bob (Sandy), Bill (Joan), Marlene, Carol, Norma (Chuck), Sharon (Chuck), Donna, and Katy; many nieces and nephews; and friends that became family, Justin and Rejean Root and their daughters Zola and Zelexa.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Thomas.
Funeral Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend Jeremy Wicks from Big Rapids First United Methodist Church officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 22nd at the Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Share a memory, picture, or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
