Darryl McNabb

Tommie Darryl McNabb was born July 13, 1939, in Lakeview, Texas, to Reba Patman McNabb and Tommie Junior McNabb. He died February 18, 2026, at his home in Plains, Texas. He started farming at age 5 with his grandfather William Patman in Ropesville. His early childhood was spent in Ropesville, and Hot Springs, New Mexico. He always had an interest in World War II and liked to tell stories about standing in his school yard watching huge groups of B-17 airplanes fly overhead during the war and how his many uncles came home from fighting. He and his mother moved to Lovington, New Mexico, during his teenage years and he delivered newspapers on a Cushman scooter. A few years after graduating high school, he bought a 1962 Chevy Impala 409 and won many drag races on the weekends with help from his friends acting as pit mechanics.

In 1965 he moved to Plains to work on the cotton farm that his grandfather had bought, and Darryl lived there for the rest of his life. In 1977 he met his wife, Pat, when he took his dog to the veterinary clinic where she worked. Pat said what initially drew her to him was his hands – they were hardworking – and also the kind way he treated his dog, Stormy. They had two children, Tommie and Grady, who remember an idyllic childhood growing up on the farm.

Darryl had a talent for building and fixing things and enjoyed restoring his Chevy Impala and taking it to car shows with his family. It was amazing what he could accomplish on his own without help. He designed and built a car trailer, a barn for his tractors, and an addition to his house.

Later in life, he overcame some major health problems. The family is grateful to Dr. Jorge Brothers for successfully treating Darryl’s prostate cancer for 28 years. His wife Pat has been a loving caregiver through many years of dementia. It is a great comfort to know that Darryl is in heaven now, happy and healthy, with Jesus.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Pat; daughter Tommie of Lubbock; son Grady and grandson, Cotton, of San Angelo.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10 A.M. at the Ratliff Chapel in Plains, Texas from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the First Methodist Church in Plains, with Rev. Patrick Hamilton, officiating. Family has requested that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.