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USSERY, ALBERT TRAVIS age 85, known as "Sonny Boy" to his family, passed away in his home on Thursday, May 30, 2013 from natural causes. He said he should have exercised more, but it would have only slowed his life pursuits. He loved law, banking, creating new companies, the military and wildlife. He came from humble beginnings in Mississippi but by age 24 he was a partner in the business law firm of Gallagher and Ussery in Albuquerque. By age 39, directors elected him president and chairman of the board of American Bank of Commerce, and he bought a heard of buffalo. In the early 2000s he retired as a colonel in the Army Reserve. He said he moved to New Mexico because of its bright days. His social appetite was second only to Bill Clinton's. He loved entertaining and hosting parties at his house and guests were often required to recite poetry. He won oratory competitions in high school. Growing up, he had great respect for his easy-going father, and grandmother who encouraged him to become a lawyer. His father, along with his brother, Mike, managed VA laundry operations. Carol, his sister, resides in Albuquerque. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 63 years Margaret Paine Ussery. (Though he didn't have any money, her father thought he would likely be a good provider. She soon learned he would be high maintenance.) He received his LLB, at University of New Mexico in 1951; his JD, in 1968; and received his LLM from Georgetown University in 1955. He was admitted to the Bar in NM in 1951 and since practiced in Albuquerque. He became chairman of the board of American Bank of Commerce in 1965, and formed Rio Grande Valley Bank in 1972. In 1977 he started one of the first government partnered small business investment companies. . From 1956-66 he was a special counsel to the City of Albuquerque on water law. He kept a herd of buffalo at his residence on Rio Grande Blvd which he ultimately donated to one of his favorite clients - the Pueblo of Sandia. He lectured military, corporate finance and business law at the University of New Mexico, and was president of the estate planning council in 1962. He was chairman of the Advisory Board of Lovelace-Bataan Medical Center from 1976-78, president of the NM Zoological Society from 1977-78, president of the NM Arthritis Foundation in 1971, commodore of the American Legion from 1962-63, and on the board of directors of Albuquerque Symphony Association from 1964-68, and Goodwill Industries of New Mexico from 1957-65. He served in JAG, the Pentagon, Washington, DC. After Albert's retirement in 2010 he became involved in a world discussion group in his neighborhood -- "Great Decisions". His primary hobby was world church organization. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Albuquerque since 1957. He attended Saint Marks church for over 50 years. He delighted in his four children: Margaret Byers and her husband George Byers of San Antonio Texas, John Ussery of Albuquerque, Marilyn Uilk and her husband Steve Uilk of Longmont, CO, Meredith Anderson and husband Allan Anderson of Denver, CO and his grandchildren Neil Bodo and wife Sarah, Jordan Kroneberger (and wife Gui), Maggie Beth Byers, Madison Uilk, Rianne Uilk, Katie Uilk, Chester Anderson and Marlo Anderson and beloved cat Samantha. All adored their grandfather. His brother Mike passed away in Amarillo in 2006. He was passionate about the correct use of the English language with his children. Albert was known for his enthusiasm, loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A visitation will be held Wednesday, June 5th, at 9:00 A.M., at Daniels Family Funeral Services at 7601 Wyoming Blvd Wyoming Blvd . Funeral services will be held at Saint Marks on the Mesa on Wednesday, June 5th, at 11:30 A.M., located at 431 Richmond Place, NE., in the UNM area. Following a 12:30 P.M. reception at the Church, interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 505-821-0010
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