McAllister, Dr. Thomas Ray 67 Feb. 22, 1945 Sept. 08, 2012 A Tribute to our Brother in Celebration of His Home-Going Dr. Thomas Ray McAllister died on Sept. 8, 2012, in Portland. He was 67 years old. Public viewing will be Friday, Sept. 21, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. at Terry Family Funeral Home, 2337 N Williams Avenue, Portland, OR. A funeral will be Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 at 12 p.m. at New Song Community Church, 2511 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR. Tom's parents, Lottie and Conway McAllister, preceded him in death. He is survived by two sons, Thomas McAllister Jr. and Nakuru McAllister; two siblings, Carolyne McAllister and Conway McAllister; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Tom was born Feb. 22, 1945, in Portland. He attended Boise Elementary School and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1963. He played football for Jefferson and received all-city and all-state awards. Tom also received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Washington and earned a doctorate degree in Political Science. Noting there was little representation of minority students at the University, Tom and a few other minority students became activists for this cause. The end result led the university's administration to change the restrictive policies. While still a student, Tom continued his pursuit by recruiting many minorities, who later graduated with degrees ranging from bachelor's to doctorates. Tom taught at the University of Washington, Jackson State University, Evergreen College and Clark College. Tom had a passion for teaching. He loved seeing students excited about learning and rewarded excellence. In 1978, Tom was selected as an outstanding young man of America for "Outstanding Professional Achievement, Superior Leadership Ability and Exceptional Service to the Community." In the mid-80s, Tom was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis. The disease was progressive and he became wheelchair- bound. Tom's physical limitations did not deter him from doing what he enjoyed most - teaching! He encouraged students to think beyond textbooks and to seek truth. Tom taught until he retired on Aug. 1, 2005. Tom's personal knowledge of truth began in the late '50s, at Berean Conservative Baptist Church, where he was part of the youth group led by Pastor Russell Smith. Seeds from those early biblical teachings set the groundwork for Tom to grow in knowledge of Christ Jesus. In his adult life, Tom attended Bible Study Fellowship, Full Gospel Business Men's Association and was a member of New Hope Community Church. He also held Bible studies in his home. Tom's relationship with God provided the grace, strength, peace and comfort he needed for his life's journey. Tom's Siblings
Published in The Oregonian on September 18, 2012
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