William Ray McNair

William (a.k.a. Billy, Pops) Ray McNair, 75, of Las Vegas, passed away November 10, 2016. He began bringing joy to the world on April 29, 1941, in Pensacola, Florida, born to John Harris and Alma Lorine McNair. His legacy began with his acts of terror upon the lovely people of Pensacola, pestering family and neighbors alongside his loving sister Peggy and mischievous role model and older brother Jimmy. In 1947, little Billy and his family moved to St. Louis, where he sold St. Louis Post Dispatch newspapers from his cement square in front of Katz’s Drug Store. In Billy’s return to Pensacola, in 1953, he mowed lawns and worked at the family convenience store to help with money. During his high school years, he played football at Escambia High School. Billy played like a force, nothing nor no one was able to stop his intensity, focus or drive to win. In 1959, football began to take a backseat once he met, the love of his life, his backbone, his exoskeleton, his candle lighter, his best friend, Sharon Jane Henderson. His life was never the same after the first tryst. On July 29th, 1961, eye to eye, heart to heart, hands intertwined, “I do’s” were exchanged, and two souls conjoined to one. The following years of 1962 and 1964, two gifts were given to William from his wife. These gifts came with loud cries and big eyes awaiting to see their father. His first child was Kevin Ray McNair and his second Kimberly Rene’ McNair-Styles (daddy’s little girl). From 1964 on, his residence in Las Vegas was enhanced by time spent with his many friends, family and acquaintances. In the years of 1987, 1989, 1998, 2002, and 2006 Billy was gifted with the chance to see the births of all his grandchildren and help them grow to their full potentials.

At the end of his life, family comfort was at a max. Family from afar and wide, and even from across the town, came to see and speak to the man that gave so much and asked for so little. Of the many who ventured to be by his side was his wife Sharon, kids Kevin (spouse Erica) and Kim (spouse Daren), sister Peggy, niece Kathy, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bo and Connie Henderson including the young desert dwellers Ryan Conaty (grandson), Kyle Conaty (grandson), Hunter McNair (grandson), Hailee McNair (granddaughter), Shae Styles (granddaughter) and Mattix (great nephew) along with long standing family friends.

Even though you are gone, you will be the sunrise to bring us hope, the clouds to shield us from the rays, the lightning to light our darkness and thunder to keep us in line. With his guidance and love, no one will ever be lost and his love will always keep us together. We will miss you and love you always.