Vardaman "Mac" Dean McCurdy

He was born on June 17, 1929 to James K. and Nettie McCurdy, in Thornberry Texas. Growing up in the depression and being the oldest of six children, he grew up quickly and after completing his education, seventh grade, became self sufficient. He learned that if he wanted something in life, he had to work for it. Having only hard work and determination as the foundation in his life, he was determined to make a better future for himself. On January 6, 1947 he joined the Navy and was stationed in San Francisco, California. On August 28, 1948 while on leave he married Doris Dean Gresham, the love of his life, at the age of 19 and the two went back to San Francisco, California where he was stationed in the Navy. After he was discharged in 1949 they moved back to Portales. In 1950 they moved to Amarillo, Texas seeking better employment. After working several jobs he decided to pursue a career in plumbing. In July of 1950 his first of three sons were born. Graduating from the Local 196 Joint Apprenticeship Program in 1954 passed his Texas Journeyman Plumbing test and began his long plumbing career. After working for several companies in Amarillo, Mac and his brother Harmon took a leap of faith and started their own plumbing business M&M Plumbing in 1969. The company did well experiencing growth in both residential and commercial plumbing. Mac incorporated his business in 1980 and changed the name to MMM Plumbing Heating & A/C Inc. Having run a very successful business for fifteen years he decided to retire 1n 1984 and turned the business over to his three sons. Mac never gave up his love for plumbing and went back to work as plumbing superintendent at AISD which brought another retirement after seven years of employment.

Having time on his hands Mac and Doris volunteered to teach the first grade class at the baptist church they attended and remained there for twelve years. They loved to garden at their home in Rolling Hills. Mac had his garden and Doris had hers, never did the two meet. Mac was real attached to his chickens and loved gathering his eggs each morning. He would be so proud to share his eggs and garden produce with family, friends and neighbors. Mac moved back to the city to be closer to the love of his life when she needed full time nursing care. Mac bought a handicap van with ramp to facilitate moving his wife. Not very many days went by that he didn’t pick her up at the nursing home, bring her home, fix her lunch to only be saddened to return her to the nursing home. His whole life was spent providing for his family. Mac was devoted to his young bride for 65 years and following her death in 2018 missed her dearly. He will be greatly missed by his family that he selflessly taught, served and loved for seventy four years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, two sisters, June Trammel, Ruth Branch

He is survived by his, three sons, Bobby McCurdy and Wife Debbie of Amarillo, Dickie McCurdy and Wife Pat of Amarillo, Mickey McCurdy and Wife Teresa of Amarillo.

Three brothers and sisters, Hilda Martin of Vacaville, California, Harman McCurdy of Amarillo Texas, Elsie Miliano of Hobbs, New Mexico.

Eight grandchildren and twenty six great grandchildren.

One plumbing company, MMM Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.