Harold Woodward Mcnabb

Harold Woodward McNabb, Jr. September 1, 1921 April 6, 2012 Harold Woodward McNabb, Jr., 90, died April 6th, 2012 in his home. The burial will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, April 12, at Oakwood Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church with the Dr. Matthew Snowden officiating. Harold was born on September 1, 1921, in Dallas, Texas to Harold Woodward, Sr. and Wardie Coleman McNabb and lived there his early years attending Dallas Schools. His mother died when he was 6 years old and his dad remarried Harold's second mother, Minnie Strong McNabb. The McNabbs moved to Corsicana when he was 12 where he was voted the "peppiest boy of Corsicana Jr. High", an honor he bragged about the rest of his life. His family then moved to Waco where he met his future wife, Martha King, at Waco High School, graduating in 1939. Harold, also known as Mac, then attended Baylor, graduating "cum Laude" with a BBA degree in 1942. He was also a member of the Nose Brotherhood showing that he could always find time for fun as well as studies! He enlisted in the Army Air Corp while attending Baylor to fight for his country in WWII. During his primary flight training, Mac married Martha on a 24 hour pass while stationed in Uvalde, Texas. Mac flew P-47 Thunderbolts during the War and was a member of the 506th Fighter Squadron and 404th Fighter Group of the 9th Air Force. He flew fifty combat missions in the European Theatre, participating in Ardennes, Rhineland, more famously known as the Battle of the Bulge, and the battle at Remagen Bridge. His plane was shot and sustained severe damage when he was bombing Nazi tanks; then guided by another American pilot, he was able to fly out of Germany, crash landing just southwest of Remagen, in American occupied Germany. He received many medals including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Air Medals, The Belgium Fourragere, and The French Croix de Guerre. In his later years, Mac talked a lot about WWII and the experiences he had. He loved his country and was proud of his service. After the war, Mac returned to Waco, becoming an active member and later a deacon at First Baptist Church. He worked as General Manager and President of William Cameron & Co, then as Executive Vice President of Certainteed Products Corporation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where he and Martha lived for 8 years. He retired from Certainteed in 1977. During his years in Waco, Mac served with so many organizations. He was president of the Waco Chamber of Commerce in 1966, Baylor University School of Business Alumni Assn, 1965-1966, and Trustee of Baylor University. He served as director or president of many boards, included Baylor Bear Club, Baylor Senior Choir, Greater Waco United Fund, Lighthouse for the Blind, Ridgewood Country Club, First Federal Savings and Loan, Citizens National Bank, and Advisory Director of NCNB Texas National Bank. In 1978, Mac began his second career with Brazos Higher Education Authority serving as Chairman of the Board and Consultant to Brazos Group. He retired from Brazos in 2006 at age 85, where he was lovingly known around the office as "Mr. Mac." Mac had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, a silly and fun-loving side. He loved the outdoors, loved to hunt, and loved to play golf. He was a supporter of everything Baylor and had season tickets to the Baylor football, basketball, and baseball games. He loved to sing and loved music of all kinds. He was the sweetest, kindest man, always with a twinkle in his eye! He taught his children to see the good in people, to walk the second mile, to be prepared, and by example to have a zest for life! Mr. McNabb was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Martha King McNabb; his son, Harold Woodward Woody McNabb, III; and his son-in-law, James A. Coleman III. He is survived by his daughter, Mary McNabb Coleman of Waco; his daughter-in-law Catherine Cooke McNabb of Dallas; his brother, A. C. Rusty McNabb and wife, LaVerne of Omaha, Nebraska; his grandchildren, Jennifer McNabb Craig and husband, Dennis; Jeff Mince and wife, Kuiama, all of Dallas; his grandson, James A. Jake Coleman, IV and granddaughter, Amy Coleman Martin of Waco; granddaughter, Julie McNabb Havard and husband, David, of Austin; and great-grandchildren: Ellen Coleman, Kenzie Mince, Emily Coleman, Conner and Patrick Craig, and Hattie Havard; and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to all the loving care given to Mr. Mac by his caregivers these past two years. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey