Steve "Pops" McAllister

Surviving are his parents, Andrew and Eleanor McAllister; his wife, Gina McAllister; his children, Brent Rushing (Misha), Lindsey VanHoose (Charles), and Sydney Hastings (Michael); his grandchildren, Levi, Lincoln, Swavianna, Laniyah, Darrell, and Nakeem; his sister, Audrey Mershon (Marc); and nieces, Lexi Mershon and Daisee Mershon. In addition, Steve is survived by a multitude of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

Steve was raised in the Charlotte area by his parents, Andy and Eleanor McAllister, with his sister, Audrey. He grew up loving hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes and all other things outdoors. He also spent a lot of his time working and learning the family business at McAllister Greenhouses. Steve graduated from Olympic High School, Class of 1985, and was an accomplished member of the marching band. He attended North Carolina State University to pursue a degree in Horticulture. He was an incredibly hard worker, and invested much of his life working to operate and grow McAllister Greenhouses. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to spend his free time hunting and fishing. He always looked forward to his yearly fishing trips to the Outer Banks. Deer hunting at his property in South Carolina or taking a trip to Texas with his hunting buddies brought him so much joy. He often used his love of the outdoors to connect with people, and mentored many young men through time spent hunting and fishing throughout the years.

Steve was a deeply committed husband and father. He worked endlessly to provide for his family, and adored his wife and children. He always did his best to be a present and loving dad. He wanted nothing more than to make his “Sweetheart” happy, and be the very best dad he could be. He loved his children’s friends like they were his own, and is considered a father figure by many. When grandchildren entered the scene, he immediately became the very best “Pops” any child could ever ask for. He enjoyed spending his time helping with car rides for his grandchildren, attending as many of their events as he could, and spoiling them at every opportunity. His family was everything to him.

Above all else, Steve was a dedicated follower of Jesus. He was bold in sharing his faith with others, and lived every day seeking to meet the needs of people. He wanted to show everyone the love of Jesus. He was always ready and willing to do anything for anyone, in a spirit of humility that never wanted praise or credit. He took great joy in spending time serving and worshipping with his One7 family. He consistently pointed his family and others around him back to Jesus. His legacy will continue to live on through his family and the lives of all the people he loved, because his life and love changed everyone for the better.

A funeral service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held 12:00 pm Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Hopewell Baptist Church Legacy Campus, 420 Hopewell Church Road, Monroe, North Carolina 28110. Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the fellowship hall. Interment is private.

Donations in Steve's memory may be directed to One7Ministries, 2511 Finchley Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28215, The Cindy Mackie Foundation, 2049 Boyd Road, Blackstock, South Carolina 29014, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 205 Regency Executive Park Drive, Suite 102, Charlotte, North Carolina 28217, or Hospitality House of Charlotte, 1400 Scott Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the McAllister family.