Sherwyn Lane McNair

Sherwyn Lane McNair, 93, a member of the Greatest Generation, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 30, 2016. Sherwyn was born on April 13, 1923, in Pritchett, Texas, to Grover C. and Cora Foster McNair. After moving with his family to Gilmer, he attended and graduated from Gilmer High School in 1940. He married Chere Livingston at her family home in Marfa, Texas, on June 15, 1952. They made their home in Abilene their entire married life. He attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene where he was a member of the Cowboy Band. At the time of his death he was the oldest living alumnus of that organization. His HSU studies were interrupted in 1943 when he entered the US Navy during World War II. After attending officers training in Kansas and Chicago, he attained the rank of Lt J.G. and served on LSM 135 in the Pacific. Following that service, he continued his college studies at the University of Missouri, where he earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Journalism. Sherwyn worked briefly in Gainesville, Texas, for the Gainesville Daily Register before moving to Abilene in 1948 to work for the Abilene Reporter-News where he held several editorial positions until 1966. At that time he became journalism professor and sports information director at Hardin-Simmons, positions he held for ten years. From 1976 until his retirement in 1988, Sherwyn was public information director at West Texas Utilities. He had been a member of First Baptist Church of Abilene since 1948, serving as a deacon and, most currently, as deacon emeritus. He was proud to be a long-time member of the Victory Men's Bible Class, a class established specifically for war veterans. Sherwyn was an avid golfer at the Abilene Country Club, playing until he was 90 and proud of four holes in one. He and Chere enjoyed travel in the United States, especially the American West. His grandchildren were privileged to have their Pappy as their most loyal supporter and biggest fan at their musical and athletic performances. Sherwyn was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Wacil and Dalmon McNair. He leaves behind Chere, his loving wife of 64 years; two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Jim Jones and Melinda and Frank Rausch, all of Abilene; grandchildren Sarah Jones Thornton and husband Ryan, Brad Jones and wife Kendall, all of Burleson; K. C. Peebles, Anne Peebles, Thomas Peebles, Kelley Peebles Harroff and husband Brad, and Holly Graves, all of Abilene; eight great-grandchildren; brother Ronald McNair and wife Sandra of Gilmer; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church of Abilene on Saturday, December 3, at 2:00 PM with Dr. Phil Christopher and Dr. George Knight officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date at Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family would especially like to thank the personnel of Hendrick Hospice for their loving care and attention for the past seven months. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Sherwyn and Chere McNair Endowed Scholarship at Hardin-Simmons University would be gratefully received.