Gabriel Banks McNair

Gabriel Banks McNair, 81 of Webster, NC passed away November 23, 2021 in Franklin, North Carolina after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was preceded in death by his Father; Gabriel Banks McNair, Mother; Sarah McNair Dasher, and Wife; Thurza Kerr McNair. He is survived by his three children; Mark McNair, Gabe McNair, and Heather McNair Leahy. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren; Justin McNair, Courtney McNair, Gabe McNair, Ragen McNair, Ticelyn McDonald and Allen McDonald.

Gabriel was a graduate of Georgia Southern University in BA in Art Education and a veteran of the United States Army. He began his work career teaching art at Effingham County High Schools in Springfield, GA. In 1968 Gabriel and his wife moved to Highlands, NC where he was hired to bring art education into Western North Carolina Regional schools. He remained with the school system until he changed careers and opened a fine furniture business in Dillsboro, NC. Later Gabriel was offered an opportunity to manage a hardwood dimension manufacturing plant in Whittier, NC. He remained in this career until his retirement in 2005.

Following his retirement Gabriel returned to his passion for making fine furniture. He also expanded this passion to include carving wood sculptures. Many of his pieces decorate the homes of his children and grandchildren today. In addition, he and Thurza travelled extensively throughout the US and Europe. They also created many opportunities to bring together their family in the way of trips to the beach and elsewhere. He and Thurza were the catalyst for creating many special memories for their family.

There will be a visitation at Appalachian Funeral Home in Sylva, North Carolina from 11:00 to 1:00 Saturday, December 4th. A graveside remembrance service will be held at the Webster Cemetery following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Franklin House Nursing Home, 186 One Center Ct, Franklin, NC 28734, Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803, or Four Seasons Hospice Care, 272 Maple Street, Franklin, NC 28734.

An online registry is available at: www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva, NC is serving the family.