Michael “Dain” McNabb, former Middle Tennessee baseball catcher, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 34 on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
He had a neurological incident that resulted in cardiac arrest and was on life support.
Dain loved baseball and was an all-state catcher at Loudon High School. He credited Coach Bill Thompson as a mentor who shaped him beyond baseball.
Moreover, he was a dedicated player for the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Blue Raiders from 2010 to 2013, and his consistent presence earned him the starting catcher position as a sophomore.
He maintained his impact throughout his collegiate career. His teammates recognized his leadership and work ethic and voted him team captain during his senior year.
Dain cherished his time at MTSU, forming lifelong friendships, and spent four years as a letterman and three as a starter.
Beyond the field, he answered the call of duty, serving seven years in the United States Air Force as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Staff Sergeant. His service included a deployment to Iraq.
We are incredibly saddened by the passing of former MTSU baseball player Dain McNabb.
Blue Raider Baseball
Our thoughts and prayers are with the McNabb family during these difficult times.
Michael “Dain” McNabb’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Michael “Dain” McNabb, the son of Mike and Stacey McNabb, was born on December 31, 1990, in Loudon, Tennessee. His parents raised him in a close-knit family alongside his brother, Ryan McNabb.
He was a devoted father, loving son, and passionate outdoorsman who passed away surrounded by those who cherished him.
Dain’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his beloved son, Michael Cash McNabb, who meant the world to him.
He was a man of many passions and loved hunting, fishing, and sports, especially football and baseball. He embraced life with enthusiasm and a love for adventure, whether in the woods, on the water, or cheering on his favorite teams.
Above all, he treasured the moments shared with his son, creating memories that will live on forever.
Sadly, Dain went through a neurological incident that resulted in cardiac arrest.
The warming process is taking place now and will end around 6PM tonight. The goal for today is to wean him off of the sedation medications as much as possible. In order to do this, we have to keep stimulation down as much as possible. Visitors are still welcome, we just ask that the visits are short and calm to allow him to rest as much as he can. Thank you guys so much for the prayers and love. They are felt and appreciated. ❤️
Mekenzie Pope
Dain was preceded in death by his grandparents, Glenn L. and Dorothy June McNabb, and Jim and Janie Snyder; his uncles, Greg Davis and Thomas Giles; and his special cousin, Curt Brown.
On the other hand, his son, Michael Cash McNabb, the special mother of his child, Mekenzie Pope; his parents, Mike and Stacey McNabb; his brother, Ryan McNabb; and his cherished uncle and aunt, Ed and Claudia Davis, survive him.
Moreover, he also leaves behind his aunt, Linda Giles; great-aunts, Diane Brown and Carolyn Nichols; and many cousins and extended family members who held a special place in his heart.
Dain’s relationship with Mekenzie Pope, though no longer together, remained one of mutual respect and shared love for their son.
Mekenzie, a Lenoir City High School graduate and employee of Robins Financial Credit Union and GEICO, has honored Dain’s memory by sharing glimpses of their lives.
Dain is now in the sweet arms of Jesus. ❤️
Mekenzie Pope
Thank you to everyone who prayed and reached out.
We were so hopeful that healing on earth was possible, but our Lord had other plans.
Please pray for his son, his parents, his brother and everyone who loves him. ❤️
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Loudon Funeral Home, with a funeral service to follow, officiated by Rev. Adam Cook.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, causes that reflect Dain’s generous spirit.
Dain’s legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to his family will forever be remembered. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Rest In Peace, Michael “Dain” McNabb.
