Sandy Ferguson McNair

It is with extreme sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved husband, father, son, sibling, dear friend, and favorite “Bag of Chips”, Sandy Ferguson McNair, on Friday, September 4th 2026. Despite a successful open heart surgery in late-August, and hopeful release from the hospital, he tragically passed due to complications stemming from endocarditis.

Born to Barbara (Susie) and John Wilson (Jock) McNair on November 1st 1977, Sandy filled the world with love and his special style of humor from the moment he took his first breath. He is survived by his mother and brothers, Will (Iliana [sister-in-law], Lauren [niece], and John [nephew]) and Stewart (Amy [sister-in-law] and Caroline [niece]).

Throughout his life, Sandy loved sports and had a wealth of knowledge about sports history and so many other amazingly random things that caught his interest. He shared tidbits, facts, and stories with anyone that would be willing to listen and be his audience long enough or best…debate with…and he had some strong opinions. He also loved his friends and family immensely, and surrounded himself with them at every opportunity he could, if not in person, through calls, texts, quick jokes, and memes…some more appropriate than others.

Sandy met his wife, Erin (Edwina [mother-in-law], Eric [brother-in-law], and Jadyn [niece]), in 2005 while working in New York City. After several months of pursuit, Erin eventually wore him down and proved their compatibility to balance each other as opposites in some ways and mutual interest in others like art, theatre, music, and movies. On one of their first dates, they both brought Who Framed Roger Rabbit and South Park Bigger, Longer, Uncut to movie night…with romance blooming from there to a wonderful relationship of 20+ years, including marriage since 2013. In a life of interesting collections and pursuits, such as artwork, books, and pottery, he loved the thrill of the hunt and unique items and stories they uncovered. He would take any chance to get together and share a story and beer or cocktail (often bourbon) with his wonderful friends from all stages of his life. More than anything else, however, his absolute favorite things in his life were his two children, Richard and Emaline, whom he adored immediately, incredibly, and eternally.

Sandy will be cremated at Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home.

Ever the life of the party, his wife and children are organizing a public Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 1st 2026, which would have been Sandy’s 49th birthday, at Zilker Brewing Company (1701 E 6th St, Austin TX 78702) and ask that anyone with cherished memories, stories, or keepsakes they would like to share, please attend and raise a glass of his favorite Marco IPA to the memory of their cherished and deeply missed, Sandy.

https://facebook.com/events/s/sandy-ferguson-mcnair-celebrat/4456837654584580/

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been organized by one of Sandy’s dearest friends to help support Erin, Richard, and Emaline as they navigate a world without their husband and father, with donations greatly appreciated.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-sandy-mcnairs-family