Roy William McNabb's Obituary
Roy William McNabb, age 78, of Ashmore, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
Roy was born on October 20, 1946, in Charleston, Illinois, to Paul Robert and Susie (McClure) McNabb. On March 5, 2023, he married the love of his life, Maxine W. Smith.
He is survived by his children, Jerry (Vicky) Brookins of Charleston, IL, and Tammy (Brad) Tammen of Murfreesboro, TN; his beloved grandchildren, Tevin (Jackie) Brookins, Tamar Brookins, Addi Tammen, Camden Tammen, and Layla Tammen; and five great-grandchildren, Alexus Ann Brookins, Conner Alan Crabtree, Finntan John Patterson, McKaylynn Grace Brookins, and Landyn Robert Brookins. He is also survived by his sister, Paula Thompson of Mattoon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Maxine, and his sister, Ellen Mae Regal.
Roy lived a life filled with hard work, adventure, and service. He was a proud member of Charleston Masonic Lodge #35 and was formerly active in both the Elks Lodge #623 and Loyal Order of Moose #1388 in Charleston.
He owned and operated Cardinal Carrier, traveling to all 48 continental states as an independent truck driver. Beyond trucking, Roy was a skilled farmer and once worked as a demolition shooter in the coal mines. He took part in a wheat harvest spanning from Texas to South Dakota, raised 200 sows each year with an annual yield of more than 4,000 hogs, and served his community as Road Commissioner for Seven Hickory Township.
Roy also had a gift for woodworking, crafting beautiful furniture for his family, including custom dinette sets, blanket racks, and gun cabinets. He loved gardening, raising hogs, and spending time outdoors. He devoted himself to his community as a 4-H leader, Boy Scout Master, and member of the Boys Club. His dedication to farming earned him top honors at the county fair, where he proudly placed first and third in hay competitions.
His greatest joys were found in family, farming, and the simple pleasures of life. Roy shared a special bond with his beloved dog and best friend, Dakota, whose loyalty and companionship meant the world to him.
Masonic Rites will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will follow from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. A private inurnment will follow at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Shriners Children's c/o Office of Philanthropy, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
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