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Dr. David McCalman, a longtime member of the local medical community and member of the Andalusia City Schools Board of Education, passed away Sunday, August 18, at the age of 59 following an extended illness.

McCalman, who is also known for his play-by-play role covering Andalusia Bulldogs’ football games on Friday nights on WAAO radio, is remembered as a caring physician and a staunch advocate for local schools.

McCalman was first elected to the school board in 2012 and was  re-elected to a fourth term in 2023. He served as president of the board for six years, from 2012 to 2018.

“Dr. McCalman was a dedicated and passionate member of our board and his contributions to our district and community are immeasurable. He was deeply committed to the success and well being of our students, staff and families. He worked tirelessly to ensure that every decision made was in the best interest of our school district. His leadership, wisdom and passion have left an indelible mark on our schools and our community,” said Andalusia Superintendent Daniel Shakespeare.

“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. McCalman’s family and loved ones.  He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all. In honor of Dr. McCalman, we will work together to carry forward his vision for a better future for all our students,” Shakespeare added.

McCalman was born in Auburn, Alabama and spent much of his childhood in New Orleans before his family relocated to Arab, Alabama where he graduated high school. He earned a Physchology degree from Auburn University and then attended UAB to earn his medical degree. He and his wife, Stacie Leigh Collier McCalman, moved to Andalusia in 1994 where he opened his primary care practice and continued to serve patients over the course of 29 years.

Among Dr. McCalman’s passions was AHS Bulldog football. Those who might not have known McCalman by appearance might have known him better from his voice as served many years as the play-by-play announcer for Bulldog football on WAAO radio. He first took that role in 2011, but then took a few years away to enjoy watching from the stands as his son played quarterback for the Bulldogs. He rejoined the WAAO broadcasts after his son’s graduation in 2015.

“He brought a wealth of football knowledge to the broadcasts,” said WAAO owner and manager Blaine Wilson. “He would study and was always prepared. He loved looking at the history of the teams and using that to paint a picture for each broadcast. He took a lot of pride in being prepared every Friday night.”

His love for the school system went beyond football.

“He wanted to make sure  that the schools — and all things associated with the schools — were being discussed, whether it was the band, academics, construction projects, hiring … whatever the topic needed to be he wanted to keep the conversation going and keep it top of mind,” Wilson said.

As a member of the school board, Wilson said McCalman took his responsibilities to constituents very seriously.

“He treated his campaigns for school board like it was a national election,” Wilson said. “He would work it like no other local candidate I’ve seen, even when he didn’t need to. He was determined to go door-to-door, call, send out letters, whatever he needed to do to reach voters.”

McCalman was a member of First Baptist Church of Andalusia where he was a Sunday School teacher.

A memorial celebration will be held at the church on Friday, August 23, 10 a.m., with a graveside service to follow. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, August 22, at 5 p.m.

Dr. McCalman is survived by his wife, Stacie Collier McCalman, and his three children, David Michael McCalman III M.D., Elizabeth Collier McCalman DMD, and Hannah McCalman Henley DMD.

For Dr. McCalman’s full obituary, see Page 3.