Bobby McAlister

McALISTER, BOBBY, died at his home on early Thursday morning, May 24, 2007. Bobby is the son of Terri and Joe Phelps and Bill and Darlene McAlister. Bobby McAlister entered the world several weeks early on February 21, 1982 to Terri and Bill McAlister in Austin, Texas, a beautiful, happy white-headed child. This would be Bobby's only recorded early arrival in his lifetime. Terri married Joe Phelps, Bobby's second dad, in January, 1988. Bobby's personality- laid back, happy, content, funny, modest-- was evident early on. He adored his family, was grateful for a group of longtime friends who helped raise him, loved sports, Seinfeld, sleeping, rock music, movies, Texas Longhorns, the San Antonio Spurs, NFL, his dog Radley, cooking from scratch, and his church family. Around 2002 Bobby's passion for fine dining preparation was awakened, and in it he found his life's calling. Cooking merged his creativity, intelligence, and artistic talents, with his innate knowledge of the profound pleasure of serving and receiving an excellent meal. He learned from wise teachers at Lilly's, North End Cafe, and the Oak Room. He read the weekly Food section of the New York Times, and dreamed of moving to a major city to further hone his craft. Bobby marched to his own drum, the rhythm of which many couldn't hear. If you stopped your own beating long enough, and listened carefully, you could find his beat, and would discover that his life pulsed faithfully and clearly to its beat. He was not enamored with possessions, wealth, prestige, or hurry. Rather, he was content to live a quiet, unassuming, carefree life that focused on simple joys and unspoken loves. Baptized at age 10, his faith was unassuming but deep. He trusted God's fairness and mercy, and several years ago heard the Easter story at a deeper level and embraced its hope, joy, and love anew. Even as Bobby entered this world too early, he has left it too soon. May his life of faith and love be his welcome into the next life. In addition to his parents, Bobby is survived by sisters, Kara and Carly Phelps and Erica Saenz, his little brother, Steven Phelps, his grandparents, Bob and Gay McAlister of Wellington, Texas, Bill and Anita Elms of Odessa, Texas, and Corabelle Phelps of Dayton, Ohio; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many close friends. Visitation will be at Highland Baptist Church on Sunday, May 27 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. with a memorial service at 5:00 p.m. at the church. Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's. Memorial gifts may be made to the homeless shelter, Wayside Christian Mission, at P.O. Box 7249, Louisville, KY 40257-0249 , or Wellington Opportunity Center, PO Box 122 Wellington, Texas 79095, a project of his grandmother's which helps underprivileged children.