Gabe Simon Saliba

Mr. Gabe Simon Saliba, 76, of Michie, Tenn., formerly of Blytheville, died Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at his home.

Born in Portageville, Mo., to Moses Farris and Mabel F. Saliba Simon, he was a U.S. Army veteran, retired national sales manager with Automotive Parts Aftermarket and a member of First Presbyterian Church.

Gabe grew up with an inquisitive nature and was always asking why, taking items apart. He was a crack shot with his .22 rifle and wanted to be a race car driver but was too tall. He enlisted in the Army after college and was stationed in Germany. He married his girlfriend from Memphis when she showed up at the front gate of the Army Post.

Returning to America, he became a father and this he would later say was his greatest accomplishment. After separating from family, he became a modern day "nomad" and traveled the world, eventually finding his way to his dream spot, "5 Oaks" in Michie, Tenn. Here he settled into a life of love and happiness of which he had searched after many years of roaming.

From the time Gabe was 16 years old until his death, he owned 80 cars and trucks with the last one being purchased in April 2013. He said he did not want his 80th vehicle to be a hearse!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Moses Simon and Paul Simon.

Gabe is survived by his wife, Bonnie Coggin Saliba, of the home;

A daughter, Lyle S. Simon, of Sherwood, Ark.;

Two grandchildren, Jonathan Lee Sherman and Jacob Simon; and

One great-granddaughter, Blaise, all of Sherwood.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. today in Elmwood Cemetery with the Rev. Mike Wey officiating. Express condolences to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com