Charles Paul McNally, aged 67, of Chesapeake, Virginia passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, August 14, 2022. Born in Lubbock, Texas to James and Patsy McNally, who predeceased him, he was the fifth of ten children; and later, the devoted husband of Victoria, and the loving father of his three children, Jesse, Frances, and Anthony.
Early in life, Charles shared his father’s love of water and developed an expertise in swimming and diving. Charles’s achievements were a continuation of his father’s legacy at Texas Tech University, where James earned a Lifetime Achievement Award as an instructor and swim coach. His father’s influence was instrumental in inspiring Charles to enlist in the United States Navy where he utilized his diving skills, specializing in Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Charles earned the rank of Chief during his twenty years of proud service to his country. After retiring from the Navy in 2000, Charles shifted career paths earning a degree in radiology and working as a rad tech for many years in the Hampton Roads area.
As the much beloved family story goes, after a four-week whirlwind romance on the starlit sands of Ewa Beach, Hawaii Charles proposed to the love of his life, Victoria Lombardo. Two weeks later, they were wed in Texas which started a 39 year marriage, resolute in love and faith. Being kids of big families initially brought them together as Victoria was the ninth of ten children, and in time, they made a family of their own. Together they raised their three children wherever the US Navy stationed them: Subic Bay, Philippines; LaPlata, Maryland; Key West, Florida; and finally, Chesapeake, Virginia.
Throughout life, Charles devoted himself to his wife, children, and family and honored his tribal ancestry. He was 1/32 Chickasaw, being a direct descendent of his maternal grandmother, Adda Mae Strickland Reynolds, who was an original Dawes roll member of the Chickasaw Nation. Most recently, Charles has been accepted into the Chickasaw Warrior Society, which strives to recognize and honor Chickasaw citizens who have honorably served in the United States military.
As a father, Charles was a prominent figure on the soccer field. He was the biggest fan at his sons’ varsity matches, and a local referee and coach to many players. He continued his passion for soccer as a superfan of Liverpool Football Club and loved watching games with his sons. Furthermore, he was an ardent patron of Chesapeake Public Library, which kept his mile high book supply fresh, and nurtured his daughter’s passion for reading too. Additionally, he supported his local community as a communicant of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, faithfully serving on a variety of committees and ministries and was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.
Charles is survived by his wife of 39 years, in addition to his three children: Jesse McNally of Boston, Massachusetts; Frances McNally Neilson (Dane) of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Anthony McNally (Rebekah) of Ewa Beach, Hawaii; three grandchildren: Emilia, Madelyn, and Gabriel McNally.
He is also survived by his nine siblings: James McNally (Kathy) of Dallas, Texas; Robert McNally (Carol) of Dallas, Texas; Stephen McNally (Cherie) of Richmond, Virginia; Gaile Loving (Robert) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Alan McNally (Judy) of Edmond, Oklahoma; Mark McNally (Nona) of Visalia, California; Margaret Lewis (Russell-deceased) of Austin, Texas; Carol Townsend (Russell) of Richardson, Texas; Timothy McNally (Kim) of El Paso, Texas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Semper Fortis, Charles. Always Courageous.
The visitation will begin with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at Oman Funeral Home and Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, Virginia.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm, Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 621 Cedar Road, Chesapeake. Burial, with full military honors, will be at 3:00 pm, Thursday, August 25 at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk. Friends are invited to share memories and sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh.com.
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