GREENSBORO LIKE THE FLUSH OF A QUAIL COVEY, THE spirit of Robert Vaughn McAlister, Jr. surged into the Light on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014. His family and friends commend his spirit to wholeness and peace. Vaughn's father, Robert Vaughn McAlister, Sr., preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother Cornelia Dickerson McAlister of Charlotte, his precious daughter HeatherMcAlister of Greensboro, sister and brother-in-law Lou and Chris East of Summerfield, brothers and sisters-in-law John and Kelli McAlister, and Mark and Lib McAlister, all of Charlotte; and his beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was deeply loved by his family and will be sorely missed.Throughout his life, Vaughn's many friends stood by him, as he stood by them. He led a life of service, starting out in health care, then, caring for youth through the Eckerd Foundation, Outward Bound, and Barium Springs. He spent many years in the classroom as a special education teacher. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and walking the family farm. He was an avid reader with a deep appreciation for history. Vaughn celebrated his Scottish heritage and seized every opportunity to don the McAlister tartan.The challenges he faced in life led to a deeper understanding of himself, and great empathy for others. His family is grateful for the grounding and support of Fellowship Hall, AA, and the wonderful care of Dr. Dan Bensimhon and his team at Cone Health Advanced Heart Failure Clinic. A celebration of Vaughn's life will take place on Saturday, November 22, at 2 p.m., at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 501 South Mendenhall Street, Greensboro. The family will receive friends in the church parlor beginning at 1 p.m. and following the service at the home of Chris and Lou East in Summerfield. Memorials may be made to Fellowship Hall, 5140 Dunstan Road, Greensboro, NC 27405.