Larry E. McNabb

McNABB, LARRY E., Larry E. McNabb's circle of friends was incredible because he had touched so many lives; he was an instant friend. The Amazing Larry McNabb, as he was called by his friends accomplished many things in his life and for others. The most important ingredient in his life was his family and friends. "I would call him Rad Dad, because he came through for me so many times growing up," said his son, Jeffrey. Larry, age 56, lost an eight month race to a brain tumor, Monday evening. Larry jogged 3 miles every day trying to reach Cal Ripkin's number of 2,632 consecutive games. Larry made it to 2,379 miles. He did run the Disney Marathon in 2001, just to do it. Born in Kingsburg, California, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Grace, in l969 and then was relocated to Memphis, Tennessee in 1971. His brother, Rod, moved with them. "He has always been there for me, I wanted to be there for him," said Rod, who took a month off from work. In 1972, they moved to Orlando, Florida. Larry's forte was sales. His personality was so catching that many people would buy from Larry because of him regardless of the price! He was very active in the pool industry and helped many people get their start in the industry. Many of his friends say,"If it were not for Larry, I wouldn't be where I am today." There are many, many "If it were not for Larry stories....." That is how he became The Amazing Larry McNabb! His wife of 33 years, said, "Someone once told me that I had to share Larry because they loved him too."Larry traveled with his wife, but had 3 golfing buddies that took him to The Masters, Bay Hill, Pebble Beach, Palm Springs, and even Scotland to play on the Old Course in St. Andrews. "Larry had a great sense of humor and we told him that we were like a table with 3 legs, we needed our buddy." He was an avid NASCAR, Florida Gator, and Yankee Fan. He and another friend would travel to watch the Yankees and went on many baseball road trips. Again, there would be Larry stories, Grace said, "He was so funny that we would laugh all the time! "His other son, Jason, said, "He was my dad, my golfing buddy and my pal. We would sit out in the porch and just watch it rain. That was my favorite." He was a neighborhood favorite, too. He would take the kids on rides on his riding lawnmower and even simple pickup rides. As they grew, he attended their baseball, lacrosse, and was invited to Miami Dolphin games. Larry was even the Lake Mary High School Girls' Lacrosse statician for two years. Larry did so many things for other people, his friends hosted two fundraisers for him. They say, "It takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate him, a day to love him, but an entire life time to forget him, that was The Amazing Larry McNabb. In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions made to Neuro-Oncology Center, 2501 N. Orange, Ave., Suite 249, Orlando, FL 32804, in Larry's name. He is survived by his wife, Grace, sons, Jeffrey of New Smyrna Beach, and Jason, of Lake Mary, father, Clyde McNabb of Kingsburg, CA, mother, Fane McNabb of Fresno, CA, sister, Diana Goossen of Pismo Beach, CA, and brothers, Chris of Exeter, CA, and Rod, of Oviedo, FL and several nieces and nephews. Visitation is Thursday, April 24, 2003 6-8PM, Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home Oaklawn Chapel, Sanford. Memorial Service is Saturday, April 26, 2003 2PM, Grace United Methodist Church, 499 N. Country Club, Lake Mary, FL, 407-322-1472. Arrangements are by Baldwin-Fairchild, Sanford, Florida. 407-322-4263.