Virgil Harry McNanna

Virgil McNanna Virgil Harry "Mac" McNanna passed away peacefully December 13, 2016, in Arroyo Grande, Calif. He was 96. Mac was born in Ottawa, Illinois to Harry and Marjorie McNanna in April of 1920, as the oldest of five children. His early years around the family farm provided many good memories helping with the chores and raising animals. He took on small jobs in his high school years to help with the family income. At 16, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard and in 1942, he joined the United States Army. During WWll he was stationed on the California Central Coast. It was here where he met and married the love of his life, Marjorie Mae Souza, a native of San Luis Obispo, and had three children, Maxine (Bruce), Gary (Susan), and Terri (Mark). After his tour of duty, which took him to Hawaii, Okinawa and the Aleutian Islands, he received his honorable discharge from the Army in 1945 and returned to San Luis Obispo and never left. Mac worked 37 years in the construction field sometimes taking on second and third jobs so his wife could stay home full time to care for their 3 children. His dedication to his family and tremendous work ethic never left his wife and children to want for anything. For years, he was faithful to his Wednesday night bowling date with Margie, which enabled them to have fun together, enjoy time with their friends and for one night at least, escape the pressures of work and parenting. At age 62 he decided to retire as the rigors of construction had started to take its toll on him physically. His retirement lasted approximately 3 months because after working for nearly 50 years, he just couldn't stop. In 1982 he went to work "part time" for the San Luis Coastal Unified School District where he spent the next 28 years of his life working in different departments doing whatever it took to help the district thrive. It was in 2010, at the age of 90 that Mac thought it was time to truly retire. After Margie's passing in 1997, he turned to his many passions in life to help fill the void. He spent hours in his garden growing roses, carnations and gladiola's. He also sought shelter in his workshop making picture frames, cabinets, bird houses and planter boxes, which he enjoyed sharing with family and friends. At the same time he could also engage in another passion of his cigars! On most days he could be found in his rocking chair on his front porch enjoying a cigar and watching "the world go by." Mac was loved and will be missed by many. We will especially miss his outgoing personality, quick wit and the sparkle in those blue eyes. He would do anything for his family and enjoyed helping others. He was an inspiration to many but to his family he was their hero. Mac is survived by his children, 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Many thanks go out to Casa Rosa Elder Care in Arroyo Grande for making him feel special every day and treating him as if he was family. A Celebration of his Life will take place at 1:00pm, on January 28, 2017, at Reis Chapel in San Luis Obispo, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity or just help a friend as he always would do. Sign his guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanluisobispo/obituary.aspx?n=virgil-harry-mcnanna-mac&pid=183596601#sthash.kCtLloRh.dpuf

Virgil Harry McNanna

April 15, 1920 - December 13, 2016