Helen Mcnair

Helen Fox McNair of Driscoll, Texas passed away Friday, February 17, 2017 at Spohn Hospital surrounded by her family; she was 87 years old. Helen was born on September 2, 1929 to Susie Alice Jane and Joseph Eugene (Gene) Fox. To know Helen Fox McNair was to love her, said her sons. With roots that were planted firmly in the soil of Nueces County, Helen represented the strong family stock that farmed the vast cotton fields of the County. This connection to Nueces County has stayed with Helen. As the third of four children, Helen was the sister of her beloved brothers Curtis and Bud and her fun-loving sister Laura Jean. The spirit in this family continues to live today. Growing up in the close-knit community of Petronila, Helen graduated from Robstown High School, home of the "Robstown Cotton Pickers." She remained close with these friends throughout her life. On college break, while working at the local cotton gin, Helen noticed a familiar face coming in the door; in walked a man from the past. Melvin McNair quickly noticed that that Helen Fox (the little girl from across the cotton field) was all grown up now. Melvin was a violin playing, smooth talking, ex-sailor from Petronila who quickly won her heart. With their marriage, they began their new life on the cotton fields as McNair Farms, and the four-generation farming family continues today. Helen and Melvin quickly began growing their new family with the birth of oldest son David, followed by Donald "Donny" and then Larry all safely born at Spohn Hospital on the Bay. Even with an active family, Helen spread her own wings and was a loving mother, avid volunteer and home manager. She built a deep church life at First United Methodist in Bishop and became an active volunteer in the community. On the home front, she was known as Mema to her grandchildren and as a source of comfort to all those in need. An inside peek at Helen was always see her with friends and family around a card table with a multitude of card games. Her children, grandchildren and families were expected to join in the card festivities and woe to any who were reluctant. She also loved adventure and learning by visiting new places as evidenced by her love of cruises and family trips. Her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a tremendous source of pride for Helen as she counted the days until each family reunion. She kept up with all their activities and was an encourager and listener to each person. Perhaps her greatest gift was her positive attitude and her joy of living life. She held out for the good and she was jokingly referred that she was a saint and a martyr. She is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Melvin McNair, and her parents, Gene and Susie Fox; her brother, Bud Fox; and her sister Laura Jean Cornett. She is survived by three sons, David McNair (Carl), Donny McNair (Sweetie), and Larry McNair (Lisa); two grandsons, Brad McNair and Lincoln McNair; three granddaughters, Lindey Sappington (Jessie), Erin McNair, and Morgan Bertolotti (Giordano); six great-grandchildren including Sydnee, Ben, Ethan, Landon, Giovanni, Maddie, and Elizabeth. She is survived by her beloved brother, Curtis Fox and his wife Haroldine; and her brother-in-law Bill McNair and his wife Joy. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends whom she treasured. Visitation will be from 1 PM until 7 PM on Monday, February 20, 2017 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home, and the family will be present from 5 PM to 7 PM. Services will be Tuesday February 21st at First United Methodist Church in Bishop (with The Rev Pat Gideon officiating) starting about 11:00 AM following the private Graveside Service at Robstown Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad McNair, Lincoln McNair, Jessie Sappington, Mike McNair, Chad Fox, Bruce Fox, Curtis Fox Jr, Giordano Bertolotti, and Charlie Cornett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church in Bishop, Texas.