Arlester

Mcbride

An educator, athlete, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, Dr. Arlester McBride was a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi. He was born on August 11, 1948 to the late Henry Lee McBride, Sr. and Arbther McBride. Proceeding him in death was a brother Henry Lee McBride, Jr. and a son-in-law, Rodney George. He had an unwavering and longstanding faith, confessing Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of ten. His open confession occurred at First Missionary Baptist Church in Symonds, Mississippi under the leadership of Pastor J.C. Carmichael.

Arlester attended Conecuh County Training School where he earned his high school diploma. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (Alabama A&M) and his Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Secondary Education from the University of Michigan. Arlester served as a member of  several organizations including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Spartan Social Club, an Honor Society, International Association of Educators for World Peace and Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Alabama, F.&A.M.

His Accolades include the Athletic Hall of Fame (Alabama A&M), Alumni Award for Most Valuable Player (Football, Spring 2001). Lifetime member of the Alabama A&M Alumni Association, Dean of Secondary Education {(Alabama A&M), Mentor to Reggie White of the Green Bay Packers, Athletic Director and Professor at Benedict College, Assistant Superintendent in Conecuh County, and Superintendent in Wilcox County. He was one of the original organizers of the Alabama A&M Sports Hall of Fame.

On September 17, 1983, Arlester happily married his dedicated and loving wife, Bernice Scruggs; their union remained for more than thirty-five years. He leaves her to cherish his memories, along with one son, David McBride of Atlanta, Georgia; five daughters, Vikkie Dobie of St. Paul, Minnesota, LaKeshya George of Bessemer, Alabama, Kimberly McBride of Huntsville, Alabama, Sharva Perkins of McCalla, Alabama, and Dominica McBride of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters, Ruth Lee of South Bend, Indiana and Mary Pates of Huntsville, Alabama; two devoted nieces, Beltha Pates Hinton and Sherri Richardson; two very special friends, Curtis Harris, Sr. of Daphne, Alabama and Onree Jackson of Huntsville, Alabama; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends.