Paul Patrick McCabe

Funeral service for Mr. Paul Patrick McCabe, 85, will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at West Weaver Baptist Church with the Rev. Donald L. Sills officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. Mr. McCabe passed away Saturday at his home. Mr. McCabe served in the Army National Guard before being drafted into the Army, where he served during Korean Conflict. He taught chemical, biological and radiological warfare. He was fluent in Morse Code and telecommunications and served as needed in the 81st Airborne Paratroopers as well as other branches of the military. After earning his degree from LSU, Mr. McCabe was hired by the Alabama State Forestry Commission to begin the Watershed Program, becoming the first Watershed Forester in Alabama. He volunteered to teach at Little River Canyon, the Audubon Society and for the Boy Scouts. He was considered a Black Walnut expert in Alabama, was a tour guide for wild flower programs and native plants, designed walking trails and wrote grants for volunteer fire departments. He headed the Pitcher Plant Program and the Pink Lady's Slipper and was dedicated to protecting native plants of our area. Mr. McCabe also taught Forestry at various colleges throughout the state, including Alabama A&M. Among his many hats, after graduating from LSU, he served in Law Enforcement. Mr. McCabe was also an active member of the Men of Steel (Steel Magnolias) Cancer Support Group and was a volunteer counselor for Camp Bluebird Cancer Camp in Mississippi. Mr. McCabe was a dedicated member of West Weaver Baptist Church. In his quest for a greater understanding of the Bible, Mr. McCabe gained wisdom and a closer walk with the Lord. He was devoted to his church and his family and was dedicated to Bible study courses throughout his life. Next to his love of native plants, he enjoyed gospel singing and shape note. He enjoyed hearing groups sing at senior centers and nursing homes. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth McCabe; daughters, Sheila Merle Blair, of Port St. Lucie, Fla. and Rhonda Claire Moore, of Villa Rica, Ga.; sons, Stephen Patrick McCabe, of Longview, Texas and Richard Paul McCabe and his wife, Connie, of Jackson, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two step-daughters; one step-grandson. Pallbearers will be Mr. McCabe's family and friends. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.klbrownmemorychapel.com. K.L. Brown Memory Chapel 620 Golden Springs Road Anniston, AL 36207 256-231-2334