James Albert McNab, 92, of Franklin, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2016.

Born April 18, 1924 in Honduras, Albert was the son of the late Sherlock and Myrtle McNab. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Sherlock Terence McNab, III; one sister, Madge Tarlton and two brothers, Earl S. McNab and Sherlock T. McNab, Jr. who was killed in action during WWII. Albert received his bachelor's degree in administration from the University of Tampa and completed the graduate program in hospital administration at Duke University. While pursuing an education, he served in World War II and the Korean Conflict and retired from the US Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel after 32 years of service. Albert participated in four major campaigns in the European Theatre of operations during WWII: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He participated in two major campaigns in Korea as well. He was a member of the 3rd Radio Squadron Mobile (G), a Top Secret Air Force unit that monitored and decoded Morse code of German enemies, from the day of its activation until its deactivation in WWII. Albert was a proud member of many veteran organizations; The American Legion NC Post 108, past member and Post Commander, District II of the SC Post 108 in Hampton, SC, Air Force Association, VFW Post 7339, Reserve Officer Association, The Retired Officers Association, USAF Medical Service Corps Association, Ninth Air Force Association and Military Officers Association of America.
Later, Albert went on to use his degree in hospital administration as Administrator and CEO of Hampton General Hospital in Varnville, SC. A fellow in both the American College of Hospital Administrators (now known as "The American College of Healthcare Executives") and the American College of Health Care Administrators, he was also a licensed nursing home administrator. Albert was awarded the "Merit Award" by the South Carolina Hospital Association in 1985. He was CEO of Stiles M. Harper Convalescent Center in Estill, SC, past chairman of South Carolina Hospital Association and past board member of the Southeastern Hospital Association. Albert will be remembered as a true public servant; serving as President of the Hampton Rotary Club in Hampton, SC, and awarded the Outstanding Rotarian Award, member of the Lions Club, Tampa, FL and past chairman of the H. Carl Rowland Memorial Library. He was a member of Hampton United Methodist Church and Tampa Heights Methodist Church; he served as Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School Youth Division and Secretary of the Board of Stewards.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Lorraine McNab; one son, James Albert McNab, Jr. of Franklin, NC; two granddaughters, Carissa Renee Haithcock of Randleman, NC and Sarah Lorraine McNab of Columbia, SC and one great granddaughter, Raelyn Haithcock of Randleman, NC.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 11th in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Chaplain Bo Phillips will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by VFW Post 7338 and American Legion Post 108. Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 13th in the WNC State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, 120 Executive Park Bldg. 1, Asheville, NC 28801.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to hospice for providing comfort during Albert's final days.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.