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MCNABB -- Gary D. "Sonny" McNabb, age 72, a resident of Bosque Farms, NM, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2008 at his home, following a short illness. He was born November 5, 1935 in Mountainair, NM, the son of Kenneth and Irene McNabb. He married Lillie M. Valenzuela on July 18, 1959, after dating her for one year upon his return from the Korean Conflict. After his first few years in Mountainair, roaming the hillsides, he moved to Albuquerque in 1941 with his parents and three siblings. He attended Albuquerque High School and received his G.E.D. while serving his country in the United States Navy. He was on active duty from 1954 thru 1958, with the 7th Fleet, serving on four ships, which included 18 trips across the Pacific Ocean during the Korean Conflict. He received his honorable discharge in 1962 for "honest and faithful service" to his country. Upon his return from the war, he worked at Standard Oil Station briefly where he met the love of his life, Lillie, while she worked as a waitress at Mario's in the adjacent building. While continuing to sweep Lillie off her feet, he went to work at Dan's Boots and Saddles and developed his leatherwork skills. In 1959, he joined Ironworkers Local #495 of Albuquerque and served his trade honorably until his retirement in 1985. During his 26 years as a Union Ironworker, he worked throughout the western United States on some of the most prominent projects shaping the skylines of major cities, as well as some of the most secretive projects in secure locations. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 13 in Albuquerque and the Elks Lodge #2499 in Belen. His unbelievable talents and love for leatherwork, silversmithing and ornamental ironwork allowed him to create unforgettable art. In his lifetime, his love for his family was unmatched, but second to that was his love for hunting and fishing. There was hardly a mountain range in New Mexico that he had not traversed, nor a lake, stream or river his hook had not ventured into. As of September 12, 2008, "He's Gone Fishin!" Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Irene McNabb; and his sister, Joyce Chance. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Lillie; his daughter, Ione Wilson and granddaughters, Whitney Wilson and DeeDee Tapia (Mario); great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Ethan and Leah; granddaughter, Lee Anne Marquez (Nava) and great-grandchildren, Serena, Mya and Gage; his son, Forrest and his wife, Laura; granddaughter, Angela Glud (John); grandson, Ryan; his brothers, Kenneth "Butch" McNabb (Bernice) and Larry McNabb; his closest cousin and cohort, Wayne McNabb and many other loving cousins, nieces and nephews of the McNabb family; tia Sara and the Valenzuela family and a long list of great friends. A Celebration of Sonny's life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 6:00 p.m., at the Calvary Chapel of the Rio Grande Valley, with Pastor Sam Saiz officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 p.m. Inurnment with military honors will be held at a later date at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to create a permanent memorial on behalf of Gary D. "Sonny" McNabb, reflecting Veterans of the United States Armed Forces and the events of September 11, 2001. Arrangements are being handled by Riverside Funeral Home of Belen, 418 W. Reinken Ave. An online guest register is available at www.riversideofbelen.com
        Published on: Sun September 14, 2008