Eddie Jay McNair

On Monday, February 4, 2019, Mr. Eddie Jay McNair transitioned from his earthly life to his heavenly home and entered into eternity with the Lord. Eddie was born on April 21, 1940 to the late Jessie and Mary McNair in Robeson County, North Carolina. Eddie was known for his infectious smile and his craftsman skills. He was a quiet and humble giant who loved his family, his garden and his tools. In 1958, Eddie graduated from Bladen Central High School in Bladen County, NC. He was a star linebacker for his high school football team and excelled in math and science with his favorite subjects being Trigonometry. He was praised as the Class of 1958 Poet with this poem entitled “Triumph”. After high school, he relocated to Washington, DC, where he became certified as an engineering apprentice. He worked as an elevator operator in the city. After attending college and working in the city, he returned home due to an illness and was cared for by his mother. Eddie’s career was a construction contractor thrived after he moved to Raeford, NC. Eddie spent a great deal of his career building wellknown companies, schools and complexes around the Cumberland, Hoke and Moore County areas. Also, he diligently worked as a civilian contractor on the Fort Bragg Army Base. He dedicated his last years of service to the City of Raeford, where he retired after experiencing a serious illness. Eddie committed his life to Christ in 1979. He served as a dedicated member in the churches he attended. He spent over 30 years of his adult life serving at Mountain Grove AME Zion Church in Raeford as a trustee. He also worshipped at God’s Garden with Pastor Vincent Sturrup; and later,joined Living in Authority Ministries until he departed this life.

He is survived by  his wife Rovenia McNair; two daughters, Jarius McNair Edens (Corey) of Springfield, Illinois and Lynn Blackshear-Ray (Darrick) of Raeford, NC; two sons, Fernandez Blackshear (Danielle) of Oxon Hill, MD and Anthony Blackshear (Evelyn) of New Bern, NC; twelve grandchildren, Jordan, Corey II, Dyrrin, Devin, Mateo, Noah, Zoe, Cree, Maceo, Deangelo, Tacarra and Becky; one brother, Jessie McNair (Verdell) of Raeford, NC; three sisters, Cletis McNatt of Washington, DC, Mary Satterfield of Washington, DC and Blanche Farmer of Columbus, GA; one brother-in-law, Anglish McPhatter of New York, NY; two close nephews, Charlie Chandler and Steve McNair; one close friend, Deacon Willie Davis (2); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives  Eddie leaves to cherish memories his wife Rovenia McNair; two daughters Jarius McNair Edens, Lynn Blackshear-Ray; two sons Fernandez Blackshear , Anthony Blackshear; three sisters Cletis McNatt, Elva Stewart, and Mary Helen Satterfield; one brother Jessie McNair; eleven grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

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