James Ricky McCallister

Published 9:23 am Tuesday, March 18, 2025

James Ricky McCallister, 71, of Tryon, NC, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, March 15, 2025. 

Survivors include his wife of almost 50 years (Aug 2), Beth Hooker McCallister, his son, James Matthew, and wife Emily of Charlotte, and his two adored grandchildren, Lucy Meredith and James “Bash”. He is also survived by his brother, Allen Hugh McCallister, Connie, his sister-in-law, and his niece Fair McCallister Cousins of Spartanburg, and his niece, Jordan Elizabeth Stratford of Charlotte. He was predeceased by his daughter, Meredith Wagner McCallister and his parents, James “Bash” and Gladys Fortune McCallister of Landrum.

Rick graduated from USC Upstate and completed his graduate work at Clemson University  He spent his career as a licensed counselor with the SC Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and retired as Director of the Spartanburg County Detox Facility.

Rick served many years as a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Tryon, where his memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:30, to be followed by a reception in The Gathering Space.

Memorials may be given to a charity of your choice or to The Scholarship Committee/First Baptist Tryon/ Meredith McCallister or to the Youth Programs/First Baptist Church Tryon.

Condolences to the family can be made to http://www.sandersfuneralandcremation.com

Sanders Funeral Home

Columbus