Robert Lee (“Bob” and “BobbyLee”) McAllister, 71, passed away on February 2, 2026, at Atrium Pineville Hospital in Charlotte, N.C.

Bob was born on October 4, 1954, in Anderson (Madison County), Ind., to Archie Lee and Norma Jean McAllister. He graduated in 1973 from Madison Heights High School, where he was active in boxing and proudly earned the Golden Gloves Boxing Title for the State of Indiana that same year.

After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He completed basic training at Fort Polk, La., and was later stationed at Fort Bragg. During his service, he also spent time in Panama for special jungle training before receiving an honorable discharge for his service to his country. Bob was proud of his veteran status, and he loved his country.

Following his military service, Bob worked at Kelly Springfield Tire Company, earned his CDL, and drove trucks for Four Winds Trucking. He later moved to Carolina Beach, N.C., where he worked as a contractor and builder.

Bob had a deep love for his country, golf, motorcycles, woodworking, and cooking. He was known for his generosity, his humor, and his larger-than-life personality. If you were fortunate enough to know him, you knew he would do anything for you — and he would always keep you entertained. His love for his children, grandson, family, and friends was unconditional.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Tara Lee McAllister of Statesville, N.C.; his son, Cody Russell McAllister; and his grandson, Everett Russell McAllister of Wilmington, N.C. He is also survived by his sister, Pamela Essex (Arthur) of Gaston, Ind.; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; his lifelong friend Darryl Caudill and dear friends, David and Rose McDonald, and Gene and Teresa Hamilton.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Archie Lee McAllister and Norma Jean Rowe McAllister; his brother, Russell Darrell “Rusty” McAllister; and his sister, Tamara Jean “Jeannie” Westrater.

Bob will be remembered for his strength, his loyalty, his laughter, and the way he loved without limits.

Arrangements for Bob are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.

From His Daughter Tara:

You were complicated, strong, stubborn, funny, and deeply loving all at the same time. You weren’t perfect, and neither was our road.

You had a way of making ordinary days feel unforgettable, whether it was through your stories, your cooking, or just your presence in the room.

You loved big and without conditions. You protected your family in the only way you knew how — with humor, hard work, and a heart that would give the shirt off your back. I will forever be grateful for the lessons you didn’t even know you were teaching me: to be strong, to be loyal, and to love people exactly as they are.

You shaped who I am more than you probably ever knew. Your strength taught me how to survive. Your humor taught me how to breathe when things hurt too much.

Thank you for loving me the only way you knew how. Thank you for giving me your stories, your laughter, your fire and your strength. I will miss your voice, your laugh, and crooked smile but most of all You!

I love you, MAC. Always. I will carry you inside my heart for the rest of my life.

Love you Always, your baby girl,

Tara Lee (2 numbers)

From his son Cody:

You were a legend to anyone who knew you, you were my hero, and you made so many great memories for others. Between the cookouts and your food, to your wild comments or goofing off, to not taking no kinda shit from nobody, the love and loyalty and hospitality you shared, your love for capturing moments to look back on later. I could go on for days with different scenarios, but the point being, you made so many memories possible for so many people and I’m glad I was blessed enough to be one of them. I love you more than words could ever express; I will miss your presence as I have for some time, and I hope I make as great of an impact on your Grandson as you did on me, your friends, and your family. You were an amazing man. I’m lucky and proud to have your blood running in my veins. I will always be thinking about you and will never forget all the things you did for me and the man you molded me into. I would not be half the father or man I am today without you, the example you set, or the lessons you taught me. I will do my best to pass that down to Everett! We will be thinking about you, and we will see you again!

Love you 4ever, your son Cody, aka Bugz aka Pew