William McNally

1946 to 2025

A celebration of the life of William Richard McNally, fondly known as Ric McNally will be held on Saturday January 10th from 2 to 4 pm at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home in Fall Branch.

Ric was not one for gooey sentiment or a long list of accomplishments to be written about him in his obituary. He faced his battle with cancer with a quiet toughness only those close to him could see. Cancer may have ravaged his body but it did not claim him for the good Lord called his warrior home on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.

He loved and his family loved him because beyond the tough exterior lie an exceptionally unique man who would bite the heels off any man who walked over them. He departs, not leaving a hole, but a special place in each of our hearts.

He was affectionately known as “LC” for Loquacious Curmudgeon. He was honored to be bestowed curmudgeon status as it took a good 79 years to achieve. The loquaciousness was always there. He once told a grammar school teacher who chastised him for his handwriting that he was not worried about it because he would have a secretary when he grew up. He was sent to the school principal’s office so many times that the school principal and he would play chess to pass the time.

His friends at Sullivan Outpatient Physical Therapy would describe him as feisty – “small things do come in wonderful packaging, just like dynamite”. Ric was known for bringing Venti Caramel Macchiatos (extra caramel) for David, Mountain Dew for Eric, and the occasional Bagel Exchange breakfasts for all serving it alongside his warm conversations and stories of the past. David, Tigger (Theresa), Janet, Eric, and Todd remember Ric for his generosity, friendship, knowledge and wisdom of God’s word, and as a source of encouragement. He was loved and will be missed.

Ric was born in 1946 to James William and Laura Mae McNally in the county of Anne Arundel, Maryland. He raised his family in Stratford, NJ. He is survived by his beloved son Richard Sean McNally, daughter-in-law Kathryn, and granddaughter Arlen and grandson Kilian. And, daughter Erin Elizabeth, son-in-law Tak Iwai, and grandson Aedan. He met his second wife, Kathleen Gibbs “Kate”, through Match.com and spent 18 years together like mucilage. He guided his step-son Eric Bryant Gibbs through some difficult times. The trips to Penn State to visit Eric will always be remembered as one of the best of times. Due to Covid, Ric was happy to watch Eric marry Samara Francisco through a Zoom live stream.

Ric and Kate moved to Tennessee from Philadelphia, PA in 2015 and bought a home in Fall Branch in 2017. We call Fall Branch the end of our journey home.