Albert Willam McAlister

Albert William McAlister passed from this life during a fierce battle with throat cancer on August 14, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on a small farm in Electra Texas on July 19, 1949, Albert came into this world with a hardworking spirit, big heart, stubbornness, and boundless curiosity.

Albert had a natural talent working with his hands and a mind for fixing things. There wasn't much he couldn't repair, and if there was, his vast network of good, honest friends always came through. His skills extended to his many projects, where he loved spending time working and enjoying the outdoors. After retirement, he kept his body strong through working out at the Mustang Community Center. He enjoyed the fellowship at the center and the friends that he made there helped him maintain a sharp, active mind, as he was never one to sit still for long.

Professionally, Albert was retired. He was never one to fit into the 9 to 5 box of the modern day worker, even though he worked for the US Postal Service for over a decade before his retirement and at OU Medical Center before that. After completing the hours at his regular job, for decades, Albert was self-employed as the owner and operator of Albert Heat and Air. He helped thousands of customers all over Oklahoma City and the surrounding area. He could fix almost anything, and he was honest to a fault. His endearment shined through however when he donated a stove to a grandmother right before Thanksgiving so that she could feed the grandchildren that lived with her. It shone when he would donate his work to fix the air conditioner for the single mothers who he knew could not pay for his services in the heat of the summer, or the elderly who could not afford the full bill in the middle of the winter. And his gift was that he just knew when someone was in need of help; without shame, without guilt, he just gave his gifts and went on about his day, just hoping that the other's day was made brighter and more manageable. There are hundreds of these stories, and numerous acts of kindness that made Albert's work much more important than just fixing a machine.

He had a lifelong love of learning, often watching YouTube videos about farming and equipment and its evolution over the years. His interest was rooted in firsthand experiences on the family farm in his youth.

Albert graduated from Electra High School, Class of 1968, and remained deeply connected with his classmates after leaving Texas, attending the class reunions when he was able. He embraced social media as a way to stay in touch; he delighted in spirited debates and conversations-especially when it came to sharing his strong support for Donald Trump.

Cooking was another of Albert's passions. He loved preparing meals for his family, with his famous banana bread being a favorite. One of Albert's favorite memories to share was of cooking for the Boy Scout Troup that he was so proud to have been a part of in order to have had an opportunity to be close to his son growing up. He had even been able to figure out how to make home-made ice cream in the heat of Oklahoma on a camp-out for his Troup.

Albert carried a deep well of wisdom, gained through both life experience and a thirst for knowledge. He loved teaching others and had a story in his pocket for every occasion.

His number one favorite saying was, "I'm a good ol' boy ~ till I'm not."

He was an avid traveler, taking the roads off the beaten path whenever possible. He and Suzanne would take walks in the different cities they visited, and Albert would inevitably strike up a conversation with somebody like he had just run into his best friend. He loved to think about 'just going for a drive', with the mountains of Colorado holding a special place in his heart.

Albert was known for his kindness and generosity. Whether it was a friend, a stranger, or someone in need on the street, he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Above all, Albert was a devoted husband, father, Poppy, brother, uncle, and friend. His best friend, ride or die and greatest love was Suzanne, the love of his life. The adventures that they shared were profound, battling issues dark and hard together through storms most could not imagine. The escapes they took through their travels and getting lost in faraway cities like teenagers brought the excitement and adventure that they both craved far away from home. Albert was a steady force in Suzanne's life, even through his sickness, her rock in a world ever crumbling. He lived a rich social life both in person and online, always eager to connect with others and share his wisdom.

Albert's warmth, storytelling, and love for others will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a richly colorful man who left a lasting impact on the lives of many.

Albert is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne; his two sons; his brothers, Terry McAlister (and wife Pat), and Amos McAlister. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Ileah Minton and Hanna VanHook (and husband Austin); and step-grandchildren, Liam and Noah.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, William Harrison McAlister and Gynal Louise Cambell McAlister; brothers, Raymond McAlister, Larry McAlister, and Harry McAlister, and his sister, Glinda McAlister.

In lieu of flowers: please consider a donation to Bethany Children's Hospital

6800 NW Expressway

Oklahoma City, OK 73008