Kenneth Carlisle (K.C.) McAlister

Mr. McAlister, 69, of Charlotte, North Carolina died Wednesday, August 6, 2003 at Mecklenburg Healthcare. Born August 1, 1934 in Anderson, SC to the late Kenneth Carlisle McAlister and Hazel Owen McAlister, K.C. was raised in Anderson.

 Upon graduation from Clemson University's School of Textile Engineering, Mr. McAlister joined the United States Air Force and achieved the rank of Captain. He entered into the field of textile engineering with E. I. duPont in Wilmington, DE. He then spent the major portion of his career with Celanese Corporation in Caracas, Venezuela, New York City and Charlotte, NC and it was during this time in 1970 he received a patent on the flame and high temperature resistant polybenzimidazole (PBI). This patent justified the building of Rock Hill's Celriver Plant to produce the polymer in 1982, the fiber in 1983, and was developed for NASA's first Columbia space flight with Astronauts Crippin and Young in 1983. He was also a representative to the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. K.C. completed his career selling commercial laundry systems as Regional Sales Manager for Jensen USA. He will be best remembered for his oil and watercolor paintings, the trademark fishing hat, his insatiable curiosity, his kitchen prowess and his devotion to the creation and solving of crossword puzzles.

K.C. is survived by his wife of 35 years, Julie Thiss McAlister; his son, Kenneth 'Mac' McAlister of Casstown, OH; and daughters, Jennifer Birkel and husband Steve, and Jessica Powers and husband Ryan of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Sarah and Casey McAlister of Franklin, OH, MaryMac and Charlsie Birkel, and Kate Powers of Atlanta; aunts, Elizabeth Abbott of Asheville, NC and Ann Lollis of Camden, SC, and numerous cousins. His sister Lynn preceded him in death.

Memorial services were at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2003 at Harry and Bryant 'Chapel in the Oaks', 500 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC with the Reverend Larry Watts officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in K.C.'s name to the Class of 1956 Golden Anniversary Project, Clemson University, Annual Giving Office, P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, SC 29633-9972, or to the charity of the donor's choice.