Vernon Ray McNair

Vernon Ray McNair was born June 24th 1945 in Long Beach California during the end of World War II. His parents were Roderick and Sylvia McNair. He had two brothers, Robert Donald McNair (Bob) and Gary Scott McNair. Vern passed from this life into eternity on 12-21-2023 at the age of 78. He passed peacefully at home, with his family by his bedside.

Vern’s early years were spent at his family’s two cabins in Big Bear, California. He had wonderful vacations at most of the national parks, camping and fishing on the lake. His favorite place of all was his grandparents farm in Kent Washington. He attended many family reunions at the farm growing up, with his uncles, aunts and cousins.

Vern went to high school at David Star Jordan High in Long Beach California. He graduated from San Diego Adult high school, in 1965. He attended East LA Jr. College. He received his AA degree at The College of the Sequoias in 1971 while working two part time jobs. One of those jobs was working for Juvenile Hall. He was hired onto The Visalia Probation Department on December 21st 1971. He graduated from Fresno State in 1973. He worked for probation for 36 years. He also helped run the Karis House, Group Home for three months, covering for Danielle Carson. He retired July 27th 2007.

In the year of 1963, Vern met Amanda Christine Anderson. Their best friends set them up on a blind date. From that moment on, it was love at first sight, for the both of them. Their dates were after work a couple nights a week, having donuts and coffee, at Winchell’s Donut Shop. They were engaged November 28th 1963 and married April 12, 1964. Vern and Chris lived in Ocean Beach Ca, six blocks from the beach. Vern worked at his uncle’s Mexican Restaurant, called Nati’s. He was being groomed to become a manager for the restaurant. Their first daughter Selena, was born in San Diego. While working for the restaurant, he realized that he wanted more for his family. He decided to go back to college, in hopes of having a career in some capacity of law enforcement. He moved back to Long Beach to attend East LA Jr. College. He had his 2nd daughter Simone, in Downey California. Vern moved his family to Visalia in June of 1968. He attended COS while working two part time jobs to support his family while his wife Chris, worked for Bank of America. They bought their first home in February 1973. Vern lived in this home, until he took his last breath.

Vern had three granddaughters. He became a grandfather for the first time on his wedding anniversary in 1984. Her name was Sommer. His second grandchild was Holly and third was Tara. Vern also became a great grandparent to two Great grandsons, CJ and Cooper.

Vern was a simple man that loved his family more than life itself. He was a follower of Jesus Christ and spent his life’s mission to help lead his family and friends to the Lord. He loved his wife with a love that you don’t see now days. He tried his best to let her know each and every day, how much she meant to him. They were married almost 60 years. He had a gift with teens. He hated school himself and understood teenagers. He spent his life’s work trying to guide the youth not only to continue their education, but in his own way, he tried to lead them to the Lord.