Vincent James McAlister, Jr of Sheffield, AL, passed away peacefully at home on October 6, 2018, surrounded by his family. Vincent was born May 26, 1931, the son of Vincent James and Ruby Leggett McAlister, in Birmingham, AL. He lived a full and rewarding life, treasuring his family and friends, his work, and the many memories made through a lifetime of travel.
Vincent graduated from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, AL in 1948. He attended Birmingham Southern College, where he met his future bride, DeFreese Johnson, of Piedmont, AL, and graduated in 1952. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1955, the University of Virginia Judge Advocate General’s School also in 1955, and went on to receive a Masters Degree in Taxation from Georgetown University Law in 1958.
Vincent and DeFreese married March 25, 1953 in Piedmont, AL and were married for 65 years. After spending three years in Arlington VA, they settled in Sheffield, AL in 1958. Vincent’s proudest achievement was his family – his beautiful wife, three children, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He led by example everyday, and his family simply adored him.
Vincent enjoyed a challenging and diverse legal career spanning 60 years, beginning with 3 years at the US Pentagon as a commissioned Army officer and member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He then joined the law practice of Mr. Clopper Almon in Sheffield in 1958, which also began a lifetime friendship with secretary Agnes Wiedemeyer. He practiced in all courts throughout the state of Alabama, and had the honor of arguing a case before the United States Supreme Court in 1977. In conjunction with his law practice, he also valued his work with the International Fertilizer Development Corporation (IFDC) under the leadership of Dr. Amit Roy, for 40 years. In addition, he served the City of Sheffield as City Attorney for 50 plus years. Along with many other volunteer activities, Vincent especially enjoyed serving on the Board of Trustees for Birmingham Southern College, his beloved alma mater. He was also a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Sheffield.
Vincent enjoyed a great love of travel. Whether across the oceans, across the country, or just across state lines, every trip was researched and planned and sure to be remembered. These trips also included 57 years of Alabama football, where a lifetime of memories were made with family and many friends. Although a lifelong Alabama fan, Vincent’s favorite football player went to Auburn – Dennis Collier, a Sheffield High School standout.
Vincent is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent James and Ruby Leggett McAlister of Birmingham, and his sister, Janis Stoelker of New Jersey.
Vincent is survived by his wife DeFreese Johnson McAlister; children Mark Vincent, Stephen Kennedy (Patricia), Mary DeFreese (Stuart McMillan); eight grandchildren, one great grandchild; two nieces, and one nephew.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, at Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield.
The family would like to thank Grace, Ramona and Sammy Bates for their wonderful care and friendship over many years; along with the kind caregivers from Alacare Home Health and Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Sheffield Public Library, the Tennessee Valley Arts Association, and the First United Methodist Church of Sheffield.
