Olen Ray McAlister Phil Campbell passed away on Saturday, August 29,2026 at 7:15 am at Burns Nursing home Russellville. Olen was born in Franklin County on Tuesday, June 15, 1937, he was 89. Olen was a carpenter all his life and started working building houses at age 17. He built homes all over north Alabama. Olen in his younger days loved to fish and loved to play his guitar. He also raised bird dogs and quail. He was a member of Blue Springs Baptist church as well as a deacon and was also the song director for many years. Olen and wife Betty took many trips to the Smokey Mountains and to Gulf Shores. Olen loved his family very much and after wife Betty’s passing this past April he has asked every day, where is Betty.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Annette McAlister and special nephew, more like grandson Andrew McAlister, several other nephews, nieces, cousins and friends that he loved very much.
He is Preceded in death by his wife of 70 years Betty Baker McAlister, infant daughter Rebecca McAlister, Father Travis McAlister, Mother Dovie Clark McAlister, brother Thelton “Doug” McAlister, Sister Fayrene McAlister Wilson.
Visitation will be 1:00 – 2:00 Monday, August 31, 2026, at Spry Memorial Chapel. the funeral will follow at 2:00pm in Chapel, Justin Baker officiating the service. The burial will be at the adjoining cemetery at Blue Springs cemetery on county road 75. The pallbearers will be Hudean Wilson, Tony McAlister, Harold Clark, Doug Hallman, Gaylon Baker, and Floyd Baker.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Burns Nursing home staff for your love and care given to Olen.
