Cecil Ray McAllister

Cecil Ray McAllister, 75, of Waterloo, IA, died Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at UnityPoint Health–Allen Hospital.

He was born June 9, 1945 in Amagon, AR; the son of Cecil and Bonnie J. (Earls) McAllister. He served in the United States Navy SeaBees, receiving an honorable discharge on September 24, 1970.

Cecil worked as a machinist for John Deere & Co. for 30 years until his retirement on May 31, 2001.

He is survived by his children, Christina Carney of Monticello, Charlina Hurt of Cedar Rapids, Holly (Craig) Hintzman of Cedar Falls, and Heidi (Craig) Engelbrecht of Seattle, WA; ten grandchildren; several great grandchildren; two brothers, David Scroggins of Waterloo and Rodger Scroggins of Cedar Rapids. Cecil is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Clinton Scroggins.

Cecil was an incredibly creative person. From woodworking to building additions and decks, to landscaping and painting rocks… he could do anything. He particularly loved working with wood. In later years, he learned how to be a wood carver. He loved physical fitness and was good at every sport he tried.

Cecil was such a great storyteller. He would capture his audience with even a movie retelling. He had a gift of drawing people to himself. If you knew him, you loved him. Cecil loved his children fiercely and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was a private person who had a deep faith and a love for Jesus. His hugs were the absolute best. He will be dearly missed.