Obituary of Robert Eugene McBride

Robert Eugene McBride Having dedicated his life to serving others, Robert Eugene McBride, passed away on August 30, 2016 at his home at Camp Mac, Munford, AL. "A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW...it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a CHILD." Mr. McBride was born in Talladega on November 25, 1929, to the late Eugene Anderson McBride and the late Ruby Kilgore McBride. He was also preceded in death by his brother, John Anderson McBride. He is survived by Margery Bryan McBride, his wife for over 63 years, two sons, Allen Anderson McBride, of Munford, and John Bryan McBride, of Anniston (wife, Jill), three granddaughters, Emily Jean McBride, of Washington, D.C., Riley Ann McBride and Jenny Bryan McBride, of Anniston, and two cousins, Gail Wood Dixon, of Clinton, SC, and Bill Wood, of Clinton, MS. A 1948 graduate of Talladega High School, Mr. McBride attended Auburn University on a U.S. Naval ROTC scholarship, graduating, with honors, in 1952, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. While at Auburn University, he was tapped for membership in the following honoraries: Eta Kappa Nu & Tau Beta Pi Engineering; Scabbard & Blade Military; and Steerage Naval. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Social Fraternity. Mr. McBride served three summers as a Midshipman with the Atlantic Fleet and three years on active duty as an officer in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was deployed for two years on the USS Libra, AKA-12, out of Norfolk Naval Base and for one year with the Beach Jumper Unit 2, stationed out of Little Creek Naval Station. He was honorably discharged in 1955 as a Lieutenant. Employed at AIDB from 1956 - 1983 as Electronics Engineer and Director of Clinical Services, Mr. McBride retired to devote full time to operating Camp Mac, where he was Owner/Director from 1955 until his death. Camp Mac, a children's summer camp for boys and girls, was founded by his parents in 1948. From its beginning of about a dozen campers, Camp Mac presently serves, each summer, over 700 boys and girls, from approximately 132 cities, 21 states and 6 foreign countries. A member of First United Methodist Church, Talladega, since 1941, Mr. McBride served on the Administrative Board/Council for over 59 years, during which time he was Chairman of the Board, Chair of the Trustees, Chair of the Finance Committee and, until 2015, was member/Chairperson of the Church's Foundation. While serving for 14 years as Long Range Projects Chairman, he planned and supervised the church's complete renovation. Civic activities include the following: The Talladega Kiwanis Club; past Chair and President of the United Way of Talladega; Greater Talladega Area Chamber of Commerce, having served as Chairman of the Highway Committee; past Chair Auburn University Talladega County Legislative Committee; served on Gov. Bob Riley's Commission on Education Spending; was a Life Member of the Auburn University Alumni Association; Member and past President of NorthTalladega County Auburn Club; Member and past Chair of North Talladega County Easter Seal Society; Co-Chair 125th Anniversary Celebration at AIDB; Co-founder and past President of the Association of Alabama Camps; Life Member of the National Rifle Association; and Certified Rifle Instructor. Page 2, Robert Eugene McBride About 20 years ago, along with Mary Sue Gaines and Ray Miller, Mr. McBride established The Talladega City Schools Foundation, was a past President, and until 2015, served as a member of the Schools Foundation Board. A Foundation Chair was given in his honor in 2011. Since 1977, Mr. McBride was especially proud to have been a volunteer for Alabama's Special Camp for Children and Adults (ASCCA) and served for many years on its Advisory Board and as Treasurer. He worked closely with retired Director, Jerry Bynum and John Stephenson, present Director, and was available to assist whenever needed. He was recognized by many organizations during his lifetime, including the following: The Hoyt Webb Award for a lifetime of dedicated service to Camp ASCCA; The Meritorious Service Award from the Alabama Easter Seal Society; City of Talladega Proclamation for his selfless dedication and generous financial contributions to the Talladega City Schools Foundation and for his years of community service with youth; The Community Education Advancement Award from the Talladega City Schools Foundation; Certificate of Special Recognition from the Lotus Award Committee for outstanding service in aiding the handicapped. Pallbearers are: Allen Gray McMillan, III, Andy Dishman, Dr. David Hillman, Hugh O'Neal, Alvin Bresler, Kenny Robertson, John Stephenson and Reid Carpenter. Honorary pallbearers are: John Granger, Ray Miller, Andy Brown, Jean McMillan, Gayle McMillan, Wren and Julie Munroe, Jeanne and Tony McKinney, Marion and Dewayne Clark, Connie Barnes, Becky and Jack Clark, Jesse Brown, Phil and Catherine Smith, Frances Ross, Robin Beverly, Rad Gaines, Jeffry Camp, Bill Camp, Gary Heacock, George "Snoozy" Jones, Bob and Mary Dishman, Margaret Ann Loyd, Margaret and Bill Whitaker and Ralph Yeilding. The family wishes to extend their very special appreciation to Kathy Cooper, Mr. McBride's loving Caregiver; to Dr. Gorman Jones, his physician for almost 20 years; to past and present Camp Mac staff; to all of the contractors and their crews who worked with him at camp over the years; to our Pastor, Minnie Bailey; to our Choir Director, pianist and members of our Church Choir; and to members of our Church's Praise Band. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Parlor at The First United Methodist Church, 400 South East St., Talladega. At 4:00 p.m., a Celebration of Life Service will be held in the church sanctuary with The Reverend Minnie Bailey, officiating. Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega will direct. The family requests no flowers but would appreciate memorials in Mr. McBride's memory to one of the following: First United Methodist Church Foundation, 400 South East St., Talladega, AL 35160; Camp ASCCA (Easter Seal Camp), P.O. Box 21, Jackson Gap, AL, 36861; Endowment Fund of the Brother Bryan Mission, P.O. Box 11254, Birmingham, AL 35202. Online condolences maybe offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com