LT Rex Fulton McAlister, Jr. was born on May 15, 1933 in Newton, Alabama, grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and graduated from Chattanooga High School.  He then attended Vanderbilt University for one year where he was an NROTC midshipman, before receiving a senatorial appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in 1952.

Rex was a well-liked classmate of the 20th company, graduating with the class of 1956.  After graduation, he attended Naval flight training at Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas.   He served in Japan with Patrol Squadron 50 as well as at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station at Oak Harbor, Washington.  Rex married Jane Hill of Chattanooga on July 5, 1957 after one year of flight training. With his love of flying, Rex intended to make the Navy his career.  Unfortunately, Rex died in a naval aircraft accident off Oak Harbor on February 11, 1960.  His body was not recovered. 

A memorial service for Rex was held at the Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga on April 2, 1960.  Although a LTJG at the time of the accident, Rex was posthumously awarded the rank of Lieutenant.  The U.S. Navy also erected a memorial stone in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga.  Rex is survived by his widow, Mrs. Jane Hill Southerland, and a sister, Mrs. Gaynelle Brock.