Lawrence Everett McNair

Lawrence Everett McNair, 91, of Greenville, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022.

Born in Inman, SC (but grew up in Calhoun Falls, SC), he was a son of the late Lawrence O. and Emma Bonds McNair.

Lawrence, better known as Larry, proudly served his country in the Unites States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was widely known across the Southeast for his great skills in the Real Estate industry. One of his projects, Centre Pointe, created hundreds of jobs for the people of North Charleston, where he also donated property to the city to build the North Charleston Coliseum. In addition to his Real Estate business, Mr. McNair became a Wendy’s Hamburgers franchisee that built the 32nd Wendy’s in the chain’s history, as well as a number of stores across the state of South Carolina. Other chains he owned and operated included Popeye’s Fried Chicken, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, Chi Chi’s Mexican Restaurants, and Frodo’s Pizza.

Larry was well known for his personality and great sense of humor. He enjoyed the game of tennis and won the state tournament many times, playing doubles in the open age bracket with his dear friend and tennis partner, Thomas Barton, of Clemson Football fame. Larry would jokingly quip regarding his tennis game, “I’m a gracious winner and a poor loser, and I don’t care who knows it.” He was a great musician and played the drums, guitar, piano, and trombone, in addition to singing.

His legacy will continue on with his two loving sons, Rayford Stephen “Steve” McNair (Paula Taylor McNair), and Lawrence E. “Larry” McNair, II, (Dale McNair); four adoring grandchildren, Lauren McNair Byrd, Lawrence E. McNair, III, Stephen Patrick McNair (Savanah Lyons McNair), and Addison Grace McNair; seven precious great-grandchildren, Carson and Carter Byrd, Emma Sawyer McNair, Banks Wyatt McNair, Maddox Landon McNair, Jaxon Lebou, and Anna Francesca McNair.

In addition to his parents, Lawrence preceded in death by a grandson, Landon Osborne McNair, his great grandson, Thomas Everett McNair, and his brother, Connie Herbert McNair.

A visitation will be held Sunday, August 28, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. at Triune Mercy Center followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. Burial will take place in the family cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to Triune Mercy Center, PO Box 3844, Greenville, SC 29608 or by visiting www.triunemercy.org/donate.

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