James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

10/17/2026

When you've lost your dad, you may not know where to begin planning a unique tribute that honors his kind soul. With this comprehensive guide, you will find easy answers and guidance on how to create a final tribute that celebrates him in a personalized and meaningful way.

Losing your dad is devastating. This quick guide will help you create a meaningful and personalized tribute that celebrates his life.

10/16/2026

Edward F. Defourneaux, Jr.

Edward F. Defourneaux, Jr. was called home to heaven on October 14th, 2026 after living with Parkinson's. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Tuesday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Ed was a devout Catholic who lived his life rooted in his faith and shared his love and service to others. He was always full of life and energy doing something and did not sit still for very long. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome . No matter where he went , he was always ready to share a smile and start a conversation and made anyone he talked to feel like he had known them for years. He did not judge anyone by their appearance, but by the quality of their character. He spent a great deal of his time participating in Mass as a Eucharistic Minister, attending adoration, volunteering at church and with the Knights of Columbus. He was always active with the annual Turkey Day Run sponsored by the Knights of Columbus each year. He was generous with his time and talents with anyone that needed the help. He was always proud to be a veteran of the United States Navy and his service to our country. He always made sure to be present in the lives of his children and granddaughters as much as he could. When possible, he and Viola were at as many soccer games, dance recitals, orchestra or band concerts, birthdays and graduations. When he wasn't busy with other things he was devoted to his wife, Viola, and enjoyed doing several different activities with her through the years. He took care of her needs until his health would no longer allow him to.

Edward was born in San Diego, CA on June 28, 1945 when his father was stationed there in the Navy. The family then relocated to Metairie, LA outside of New Orleans where Ed grew up. He went on to join the U.S. Navy in May of 1963 and served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Roosevelt. He came home and married his wife,Viola, and settled on James Island and they became active members of Nativity Catholic Church. He continued to serve in active duty until he was medically discharged in October of 1973. Edward went on to work as a civil servant at the Charleston Naval Shipyard painting ships and submarines until the base closed in April 1996. Even then, Ed never truly retired. He went on to run a lawn care business and work various other jobs until he was advised not to work by his doctors.

Edward is survived by his children : Nicole DeSantis of Myrtle Beach, SC and Edward Defourneaux III of Charleston, SC. He is also survived by granddaughters Abigail, Rebecca (fiancé Jon Draize), and Alita DeSantis, his sister Mary (Dan) and brother John (Lynn) ,as well as several nieces, nephews, and treasured friends who were like family.

He was predeceased in death by his beloved wife Viola, his infant son Thomas, his parents, and his sister Elizabeth.

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

10/15/2026

Losing a child is devastating, no matter when that loss occurs. Today, our hearts go out to all the moms and dads who have lost children during pregnancy or infancy. Your loss is significant and heartbreaking – our thoughts are with you as you grieve.

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph L. Pitts

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph L. "Jack" Pitts, Jr., age 89, of Kernersville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM Friday, November 6, 2026 at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 604 Fort Johnson Road. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Thursday, with a 6:30 PM Vigil Service, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Jack was the son of Joseph L. Pitts, Sr. and Mayme Platt Pitts. He attended Bishop England High School, graduating in 1955, where he proudly played football all four years. During his youth in Charleston, he met the love of his life, Virginia Fowler, who would become his devoted wife and partner in life.

Jack attended The Citadel on a football scholarship and graduated in 1959. That same year, he married his beloved Virginia and began a distinguished career in the United States Army as an artillery officer. Over the course of his 20 years of military service, he held numerous leadership positions and proudly served his country in Vietnam and Korea. He retired from the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Following his military career, Jack joined Port Oil in 1977 and later worked for Speedway convenience stores, where he remained for 24 years until his retirement. While he enjoyed a successful professional life, his greatest passions were always his family and his faith.

A devoted Catholic, Jack answered a calling to serve the Church as a deacon. He faithfully ministered to others for many years, offering guidance, compassion, and spiritual support to countless individuals until his retirement from the diaconate in 2019. His faith was the foundation of his life and a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew him.

Jack is survived by his children: Michael Pitts and his wife, Jan; Kelly Duggan and her husband, James; and Sean Pitts and his wife, Sharon. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Erin Radosevich and her husband, Daniel; Ryan Pitts and his wife, Ali; Andrew Duggan and his wife, Jessica; Jamie Brown and her husband, Keith; Gibson Pitts; Joseph Pitts; and William Pitts and his wife, Aubrey. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy. He is further survived by his sister, Cheryl Clair; his sister-in-law, Norma Callen, and her husband, Monte; and his niece, Sarah Pitts, the daughter of his late brother, Robert "Bobby" Pitts.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Fowler Pitts; his father, Joseph L. Pitts, Sr.; his mother, Mayme Platt Pitts; and his brother, Robert "Bobby" Pitts.

Jack will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to God, his country, and his family. He led by example, serving others with humility, integrity, and compassion. Whether as a soldier, husband, father, grandfather, deacon, or friend, he touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love.

His family finds comfort in knowing that he is reunited with Virginia, the love of his life, and that his enduring example will continue to guide future generations.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

View Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph L. Pitts's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/13/2026

Robert Louis Bellah

Bobby Bellah was born to Connie Roberta Rast Bellah and William James Bellah in Charleston, South Carolina on the hottest day of the year. He was a true Lowcountry boy and loved getting into mischief, being outside, and could never sit still— traits that followed him his whole life.

Bobby married the love of his life, Muriel Leap Bellah, in 1965. They were both raised on James Island, but after marriage, they moved to Johns Island, where they raised their four children and lived for 61 years. Bobby and Muriel loved to s**g dance. Together, they were members of the Islander S**g Club and enjoyed sharing their love of dance by teaching others. At one time, they even won a s**g dance competition at a local festival!

He was easy to love, and easy to laugh. Bobby NEVER met a stranger! He had a true gift for telling a joke and telling funny stories. He could come up with a nickname or rearrange a word to make it funny in a moment’s notice. He could make up an acronym from any random sentence in seconds! Bobby had a genuinely outgoing, happy, loving personality. He never judged others and welcomed people from diverse backgrounds, treating everyone equally regardless. As his many blue tee shirts attested, he lived generously! He welcomed many guests into their home as well as his heart. Even the week before he passed, he was cutting other people’s lawns and running errands for others!

Bobby loved being an active member of his community. Every morning, he rode his bike up and down his street to chat with his neighbors. Bobby never met a soul he didn’t like to chat with. He was a Mason, a lifetime member of West Ashley Outboard Motor Club, and a former member of the Charleston R***e Club.

An active member at Faith Lutheran Church on Johns Island, Bobby served as a member of the Property Committee, a youth advisor, and a council member. He even led the construction of the choir loft in the sanctuary!

Bobby served proudly in the US Navy on the USS Robinson and the USS Soley. He was so proud to have served in our nation’s armed forces! Later, Bobby worked as a machinist foreman and retired in 1995 from serving in Shop 31, the inside machine shop, at the Charleston Naval Shipyard.

Bobby loved tinkering with things and was an avid outdoorsman. He was a man of many hobbies, enjoying boating, fishing, camping, and gardening. Bobby had a knack for making old

things new again! He could bring things back to life that others would have discarded. Bobby’s son Brad loves to tell the story of a foliage trip they took a year before Bobby passed: When asked his favorite sight from that trip, Bobby happily recalled finding a saw on the side of the road that he took home in a checked bag and fixed up the next week!

Bobby and Muriel loved to travel, and made many happy memories on trips with Muriel’s sister and brother-in-law, Robin Leap Richard and Marty Richard. He also loved to travel and tinker with things at his cabin in Sevierville, Tennessee, where he enjoyed spending time with Muriel’s sister- and brother-in-law Susan Leap Tompkins and George Tompkins. The week he passed, Bobby was traveling with his family on a much-anticipated vacation. After declining health and a brief illness, Bobby passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Wythe Community Hospital in Wytheville, Virginia. To the very last, Bobby was taking care of his family, instructing his grandchildren how to properly put a tarp over his camper so it wouldn’t get wet and how to run the septic system at the cabin.

Bobby was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Billy and Roger, his sister, Jeanne Burns, and his daughter, Kimberly. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Muriel, his three sons, Robert Jr. (Robin), Stephen (Kim), and Brad (Mandy); his grandchildren: Kimberly, Jamie, Trey (Audrey), Gracie, and Drew; his great grandchildren, Talan, Harrison, and Olive. He is also survived by one sister, Constance (Jimmy) Varner, and his cousin who was closer to him than a brother, Wayne (Dianne) Sims, along with many brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Bobby’s Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, October 18, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church, with The Rev. Thulie Beresford officiating. The visitation will precede the service from 12:30PM until 2:00PM, and a fellowship meal will be hosted in the church Fellowship Hall immediately after the service. Please wear bright colors to this service, as it is a celebration of Bobby’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Faith Lutheran Church, 3374 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455.

View Robert Louis Bellah's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/11/2026

Dianne Lempesis Rustin

Artemis "Dianne" Lempesis Rustin, 73, entered into eternal rest on October 10, 2026. She was born in Charleston, South Carolina on December 20, 1952 to Mr. and Mrs. Happy Nick Lempesis. She was the goddaughter of Dena Lempesis Calamas. Dianne was a 1971 graduate of James Island High School and graduated from Baptist College at Charleston with her degree in nursing in 1980. She spent her career caring for all those that she encountered as a nurse in the operating room, working alongside her husband in his orthopedic practice, and finally as a nurse at the Citadel from which her husband and two boys graduated.

Her greatest joy and fulfillment came from loving others and making sure they knew how deeply they were loved. She was kind, generous, and thoughtful. She honored family traditions, welcomed loved ones into her home for holidays, and hosted countless bridal and baby showers. Dianne was especially known for her salad dressing and galaktoboureko. She gave of herself without ceasing, quietly caring for many family members and loved ones. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend.

Dianne was a lifelong member of Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity and devoted many years to serving as a Sunday School teacher and contributing to the Prosphora ministry. Her faith and love for others were reflected in her dedication and service.

Dianne is survived by her husband of forty years, Dr. Dowse Daniel Rustin, her children, their spouses, nine grandchildren, her brothers Happy Nick Lempesis and Peter Elias Lempesis, and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of those who loved and cared for her during these last few years.

The family will receive friends at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity Building Fund, 30 Race Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29403.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister Funeral Home.

View Dianne Carol Rustin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/10/2026

If you've lost a loved one, sorting through their possessions can be a daunting task. But creating a plan can help make the job a little easier. Read this article to find out how you can make the sorting process less stressful.

If you lost a loved one, sorting through their possessions can be a daunting task. But making a plan can help make the job a little easier.

10/10/2026

With any funeral, there are always small expenses that you really can’t purchase in advance – like flowers, death certificates, musician honorariums. While you can’t purchase these cash advance items early, you CAN set aside money to pay for them!

As you put together your advance funeral plans, ask your funeral guide how to prepare for cash advance items, so your family won’t have to pay for them in the future. Go to www.funeralbasics.org/9-funeral-costs-often-overlooked to learn more!

10/07/2026

Terry P Orvig III

Terry P. Orvig, born February 5, 1959, in Charleston, South Carolina, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, he shared 42 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Dawn Donnelly of Mt Pleasant, SC.

A private person by nature, he was deeply loyal to the people he loved. He was a caring father to Sindy Orvig and Eric Orvig, and a proud grandfather to Harper Orvig. He also shared a close bond with his brother, Randall Orvig and nephew Hunter Orvig.

He found joy in duck hunting, golf, fishing, and grilling, and loved settling in to watch old Westerns and Viking movies. One especially meaningful chapter was the time he lived with Sindy in England, helping to get her settled-a reflection of the steady support and care he gave his family. A member of First Baptist Church Mt Pleasant. Psalm 18:32-35

He will be remembered for his strength, faithful friendship, and the love he showed in his own way. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

View Terry P Orvig III's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.