Rodrick (Roger) J. McAllister, Sr.

July 31, 2025

 CHARLOTTE - Rodrick J. McAllister, Sr., 79 a native of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on July 31, 2025. Also, affectionately called Dootsie, Roger, and Pop. Roger will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, honesty, fairness, and strong work ethic. But most of all for the love he held for his family.

Roger was a great businessman who learned about hard work at an early age by working on his father’s farm. In 1972, Roger established and owned McAllister Landscaping and Grading, working alongside his son Jason and wife Helen (bookkeeper). Roger worked hard and always went the extra mile. He believed when you made a deal or promise, you kept it. This virtue served him well in life.

Roger loved to garden and grew some of the best tomatoes you would ever eat in your life, called the “Big M,” which he generously shared with others. Roger was an avid fisherman who identified himself as the “World’s Greatest Fisherman.” He went on many fishing trips to the Core Banks of NC with a group of men who were his lifelong friends. Roger would always tell you, “God allowed him to catch more than his fair share.”

In retirement, Roger enjoyed time at Holden Beach with his beloved wife Helen. He loved bicycling, boating, fishing, visiting, and spending time telling many life stories. We will miss his storytelling but are assured those stories will live on through his loved ones.

Roger was a member of Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill in Charlotte, NC. Roger believed in prayer and was a man who had faith in the Lord. He loved Jesus Christ and always gave thanks to the Lord for all his many blessings. It was his hope to be remembered as someone who loved God, family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Russell Edgar and Doris McAllister, his is preceded in death by his siblings, Russell McAllister, Jr., Jerry McAllister, Tommy McAllister, Fred McAllister, Andrew McAllister, Peggy Furr, and Jean Furr. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen of 57 years. His son, Jason McAllister (Jennifer), two grandsons, Charlie and Carson McAllister whom he loved dearly.

Services will be held at Steele Creek Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Hill, 15000 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Visitation 2-3pm; Service 3:00 pm, officiated by Dr. Jeff Pinkston and Rev. Dexter Greene. The service will be livestreamed via YouTube and Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • John Mercer

    Mr. McAllister was a really nice man. I have great memories growing up with Jason and a couple beach trips to Holden Beach with them. Great times. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and many friends.

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  • Jim & Stephanie Bryant

    We are so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Unfortunately we will not be able to be at his memorial service. We will be thinking of you all and send our deepest sympathies to you and all of your family.

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  • Enio and Yaneth Ortega

    Our sincere condolences to Helen, Jason and all of the family. We met Mr. McAllister years and years ago, and he was a huge blessing to our lives through all the time we have been honored to know him. God bless his wife, his son, grandchildren and all the generations to come. He was a very generous man, and we have never met such a kind, giving, hard working and big hearted person.

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  • Marie Stone Gibson

    Dootsie was the baby in the McAllister clan. He was loved by every one of his family. Including the cousins. I can still see Uncle Russell and Aunt Doris with Dootsie visiting with Grandmother McAllister on Sunday afternoon. I will miss him but sure am glad I had him and his family in my life. May God grant the family and friends peace.

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  • Justin Flanagan

    I lived across the street and i enjoyed the times I’d be late to work because I would stop and talk to Roger on my way out for a “ minute” that went to about a half hour every time haha. He was a great neighbor and a good man.

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  • Jeff Zobel and your Green Resource friends

    I will miss our talks about fishing at the core banks, your endless garden wisdom, and landscaping history in the Charlotte area. Peace and love to the McAllister family.

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  • Debbie Templeton

    Roger was a wonderful neighbor and friend. He helped me out many many times and brought me lots of his wonderful tomatoes he will be missed.

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  • Susan Furr

    Helen, Jason and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I cannot imagine the welcome he got when the trumpets sounded. He helped Russ and I so many times with being an usher at our wedding to pushing down trees and getting our first lot ready for our first home. He will be greatly missed by all.
    Love y’all, take care of yourselves, he is in good hands and we see him again, when we all get there. And our family is sending prayers to each of you.
    God bless you all.

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