James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

03/09/2026

Robert Roland Mallard, Jr.

Robert Roland Mallard, Jr., 66, of Charleston, entered into eternal rest Sunday, March 8, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 115 Broad Street, Charleston. The Rite of Committal at St. Lawrence Cemetery will take place at a later date.

View Robert Roland Mallard, Jr.'s obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/07/2026

Spring is coming fast! With it, Daylight Savings Time. Don't forget to set those clocks forward!

03/04/2026

Victor Edward Millings, Jr.

Victor Edward Millings, Jr., 85, of Charleston, SC, husband of Mary Virginia Melchers Millings entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Road. The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway.

Vic was born on October 10, 1940, in Charleston, South Carolina, a son of Lilian M. Millings and Victor E. Millings, Sr. He attended catholic schools including: St. Patricks, Bishop England and graduated from St. Andrew's High School. He was a proud veteran who served in the Army National Guard. He retired from the Charleston Naval Shipyard after 32 years of service and held a variety of roles including welder, pipefitter and gas plant operator.

Vic was an active member of his community spending many years volunteering with his beloved Elks. He was a loyal member of the "corner crew" at the Lodge. Vic was a devoted member of St. Joseph's and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Charleston Rifle Club and the Islander S**g Club. Vic enjoyed dancing with his wife of 57 years. Vic never met a stranger and loved telling everyone about his four grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He was a long suffering and avid fan of the USC Gamecocks - and may have taught his two children a few colorful words along the way.

Vic was preceded in death by his parents who he shared with his surviving brother, Ron (Delores). He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Ted (Maggie); his daughter, Liz and his four grandchildren, Erin, Lindsay, Bailey and Nate as well as his nieces, nephews and a gaggle of cousins.

Memorial donations can be made in Vic's memory to the Blessed Sacrament Capital Campaign, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 or the Alzheimer's Association, 884 Allbritton Blvd, Suite 115, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.

View Victor Edward Millings, Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

03/01/2026

Whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, generations of women have helped shape history. Their strength and passion led them to follow their dreams and break down barriers. During Women’s History Month, we celebrate their amazing contributions to our society!

02/28/2026

Did you know that only about 31% of Americans have a legal will? With so few planning for the future, many families are unprotected and unprepared should an unexpected death occur. Check out this article to learn about 6 common misconceptions about estate planning and whether you believe them or not. www.funeralbasics.org/estate-planning-misconceptions/

Are you familiar with the most common estate planning misconceptions? Check out this article to learn how you can avoid 6 misconceptions.

02/26/2026

If you're close to someone older than you, today's a great day to send them a note! Write down some of your biggest questions and be wowed by the fascinating answers you receive.

02/23/2026

Ernesto Siobal Comilang

In Loving Memory of Ernesto Siobal Comilang

Ernesto Siobal Comilang, a devoted man of God, world-class professional, and beloved family man, passed away at the age of 82. A family visitation will take place between 6:00 and 8:00 PM Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. Mr. Comilang will be conveyed back to the Philippines for burial.

Born on November 30, 1943, in the Philippines, Ernesto's journey took him across the globe, leaving a legacy of faith and excellence wherever he went.

A Career of Excellence

A graduate with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), Ernesto spent 50 years mastering his craft. He was known as a "Top-Gun" in the hospitality industry, managing prestigious, world-renowned establishments including the Mandarin Oriental in Manila, Coral Beach and Tennis Club in Bermuda, and the Four Seasons in Las Vegas and Bermuda. His career was defined by his professionalism and a commitment to service that spanned continents.

A Life of Faith and Service

While his professional accomplishments were vast, Ernesto's true passion was his devotion to his faith. He was deeply involved with the Amen Ministry International, spreading the word of God in Toronto, Las Vegas, and the Philippines. He lived by the promise of Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Whether he was at his home church in Urdaneta City or traveling abroad, he found peace in the words of Psalm 121:7-8: "The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." He considered his greatest accomplishment to be the church he built near his home, Pastoran San Jose, and his creation of the youth group there, Amen Labit West.

Hobbies and Passions

Ernesto was a man of high energy and many interests. He was an avid tennis player who enjoyed the challenge of tournaments, a practitioner of karate, and a lover of nature. He found peace in traveling, swimming, and sunbathing, but his greatest joy was found in family gatherings and sharing the message of John 3:1-2, reflecting on the great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God.

Legacy and Final Lessons

Ernesto is reunited in peace with his parents, Donato and Feliciana (Siobal) Comilang, his ten siblings, and his grandson, Ray John Reyes. His memory will be cherished by his beloved wife, Elisa Vista Comilang, his 5 children, Erliza C. Reyes and her husband Ronald Reyes; Elizabeth Comilang and her husband Orlando Solis; Ernalene Rex, and her husband Nathan Rex; Ernesto Comilang Jr. and his wife Kimberly Comilang; and Ellaine Marie Comilang. He is also survived by his sister, Philomena Comilang.

He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; Rozhelle, Ronaliza, Raven Mae, and Ronald Reyes, Jr, Mark Zacheus & Rosebeth Solis, Wylen Brixx Cortez, Jazmyn Annalisa & Izabella Patricia Rex, Camryn Comilang, and Jackson Comilang, and his great-grandchildren: Prince Santi, Princes Ruzel & Ruby Palaganas, Jr. , and Dwayne Clyde Andaya.

He leaves behind the strength of Exodus 14:14: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." His greatest life lesson remains a guiding light for all who knew him: "Put God first in everything you do. Everything is okay because God is with me."

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Ernesto's GoFundMe to help us bring him home to the Philippines for his final resting place, as we honor the faithful life he lived in Christ.

View Ernesto Siobal Comilang's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/23/2026

John Paul Bride

Mount Pleasant, SC

John Paul Bride, beloved husband of Nancy Welsh Bride for 60 years, passed away February 21, 2026. Born in 1934 in Boston, he was the son of the late Helen Beecher and John Leonard Bride.

John graduated from Boston College and majored in Math. He was a pioneer in computer software engineering at Avco Corporation and worked on Cape Canaveral Missile tests. He then managed teams of software engineers at the Foxboro Company.

John is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, their four children John Paul Bride, Jr. (Jane), Joseph Leonard Bride (Christine), Nancy Joan Bride, and Lesley Welsh Bride (JB). He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jessica, Peter, Julia, Shannon, Catie, Casey, Kelly, and Jenna.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Saturday February 28, 2026 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 950 Darrell Creek Trail, Mt. Pleasant, SC. The Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to East Cooper Meals on Wheels, PO Box 583, Mt. Pleasant SC 29465.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston (843) 766-1365.

View John Paul Bride's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/21/2026

Is cremation eco-friendly? Can you have a funeral service? These questions and more are answered in this informative article about things you should know when considering cremation. Check it out! And if you more questions, let us know. We're here to help! www.funeralbasics.org/what-should-i-know-when-considering-cremation/

Want to learn more about cremation and your options? Check out this easy-to-understand FAQ that outlines many of the answers you're seeking!

02/20/2026

Ann Renee Vokonas

Ann Renee Vokonas, 74, of Chesapeake, VA entered into eternal rest on December 23, 2025 surrounded by love and her favorite hymns. She will be welcomed into heaven by her parents, her brother, her daughter, and her best friend Cathy.

Ann was born February 26, 1951, in Roanoke, VA. She was the daughter of Hazel Dillard and Charles Richards. Ann graduated from University of Pennsylvania in 1973, and became a physical therapist. She quickly entered administration, and was well known for establishing and growing rehab facilities for major hospitals in the Tidewater area. She truly loved her work and her people! Ann is best known for her bubbly personality, and her caring nature.

Ann leaves behind a son, Douglas Horchler, in Charleston, SC, a husband, William Vokonas in Chesapeake, VA, along with countless friends.

A celebration of life will be held in spring in Chesapeake, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The American Cancer Society, or your local animal shelter.

View Ann Renee Vokonas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.