Roll Call Tribute

Timothy D. "Duane" McNair 

March 30, 1957 - September 26, 2024 

Timothy Duane McNair, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, Texas Aggie, and fifth-generation native Texan, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in Katy, Texas, at the age of 67. Born on March 30, 1957, in Houston, Texas, to Marion Dixon McNair and Mary Pauline Maguire McNair, Duane was the third of four brothers.

Duane was raised in Portland, Texas, where he attended Gregory-Portland High School and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Like many others in his family, he carried on the tradition and attended Texas A&M University where he graduated with a degree in Floriculture, Class of ‘79. During his time there, he proudly served in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. He cultivated many life-long friendships in true Aggie fashion, especially with his BQ ’79 classmates.

Following graduation, Duane began his career in horticulture while also serving four years in the Texas National Guard, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant before receiving an honorable discharge. His career as a horticulturist included overseeing large government contracts and managing the equestrian venue grounds during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

A veritable walking “Wikipedia” long before Al Gore invented the internet (wink), Duane was an impressive repository of facts, history, and trivia. He loved to read and could opine on virtually any topic. He especially enjoyed Church, Texas, and military history. Those of us left behind will undoubtedly feel his absence. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish, camp, and hike. Most importantly, he was a friend to all, knowing no strangers and taking a genuine interest in everyone he met.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Marion Dixon and Mary Pauline, as well as his grandparents, Melton and Bertie McNair, and James and Pauline Maguire. He is survived by his devoted wife of thirty-eight years, Betty Ann (White) McNair and their two sons, William Dixon McNair and his wife, Megan, and John Travis McNair and his fiancée, Lauren Kerbow, and their son, Wesley Emerson McNair. Additionally, he was affectionately known and loved as “Bunkhouse” by our very special extended family, David, Carly, Cason, and Julia Levingston.

Duane is also survived by his brothers, Dixon, Jr. (Mary Lou) of La Grange, TX, David (Maria) of Katy, TX, and Doug (Iris) of Sugar Land, TX, as well as their children, Sean, Jason, Lauren and Lindsie, and grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Beverly Hogle (John) of Magnolia, TX, and Diana Riis (Gary) of Sugar Land, TX.

A visitation is scheduled for Thursday, October 3 from 5 – 7 pm at Schmidt Funeral Home, 1344 W Grand Parkway South, Katy, TX 77494, with a Rosary to follow at 7 pm, same location. A requiem mass is scheduled for Friday, October 4 at 1:30 pm at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church, 5356 11th Street, Katy, TX 77493, with a Reception immediately following in the Parish Hall. Burial (Rite of Committal) is scheduled for Saturday, October 5 at 1:00 pm at Norwood Cemetery, Hearne, TX.

The family extends their gratitude to all who have touched Duane’s life for their friendship, affection, and unwavering support throughout the years. Your kindness and shared memories have meant the world to us.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to the Timothy Duane McNair ‘79 Perpetual Scholarship Fund, which will serve as a lasting tribute to Dad’s legacy. A direct link for donations will be available soon. In the meantime, the family kindly requests that any gifts be made according to the details below:

To donate online, go to give.am, select General Memorial; and select this gift is in honor of someone special(please designate in honor of Timothy Duane McNair ‘79). https://www.txamfoundation.com/give.aspx 

Any gifts made in the form of a check, please include the following, “In Memory of Timothy D. McNair ‘79” in the memo line; to arrive at the address below.

Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840.

Duane/Dad/Pop/Bunkhouse, we will love you always and will miss you dearly. You can rest easy now in the arms of Jesus. Until we see you again, all our love.