Royce Norman McNair

Royce Norman McNair was called home to his heavenly Father on Monday, May 23, 2011. He was born January 29, 1944 to John and Susie McNair in Blytheville, Arkansas. He grew up in various towns throughout Arkansas and Missouri where he later graduated from Kennett High School in Kennett, Missouri in 1963. Royce was a patriotic American who bravely volunteered to serve his country during the Vietnam War as a single engine aircraft mechanic. He was very mechanically inclined. He was honorably discharged June 19, 1966. Royce married Robbye Jordan of Pine Bluff, Arkansas on June 3, 1967 in Pine Bluff. Royce and Robbye lived in Elk City, OK from 1970-1991 where he was employed in various oilfield occupations. Royce returned to college to complete his degree at the age of 43. He graduated from SWOSU in Weatherford with a BA in Business Management in 1991. In 1992, they moved to Miami, OK where Royce worked for Southwest Meter and Supply and later worked for STS meter reading services for REC before retiring in 2007. Royce was a Christian raised in the Baptist Church, but later became a member of the United Methodist Church. He was an active member of the Army Otter Caribou Association and the Army Aviation Association of America as well as Chairman of the Ottawa County Rural Water District #2. Royce enjoyed reading, traveling, watching wildlife, sitting for hours in his swing in the early morning hours gazing at the stars, drinking coffee, listening to the birds and talking to God. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. They enjoyed many fun and special times together. He could build an outstanding campfire for his grandchildren and was a man of many talents. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Susie McNair, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Joseph Robert and Cumi Jordan. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Robbye McNair of Miami, Okla.; son, Scott McNair and daughter-in-law, Meredith of Argyle, Texas; daughter, Lori Montgomery and son-in-law, Bryan of Yukon, Okla.; daughter, Erin Romine and son-in-law, Aaron of Jacksonville, Ark. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Caroline, Andrew, Matthew, Sarah and Zachary who were the light of his life. He loved to share a Pepsi and Hershey bar with his grandchildren. Additional survivors are his brother, John McNair and sister-in-law, Linda of West Memphis, Ark., and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Betty Cook of Houston, Texas as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Royce never met a stranger and will be remembered fondly by many friends and acquaintances. He will also be missed by his cat, Kitty Kitty, who recently adopted him. Royce had become interested in genealogy and spent many hours researching his family's history. He was a man of many interests and talents. He loved Louis Lamour books, the Bible, history, nature, his family and most of all his God. He was an amazing man who will be missed everyday. Services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, May 26th at Paul Thomas Funeral Home in Miami, Okla. with visitation following. Additional services will be Friday, May 27th at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Elk City. Burial will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery in Elk City. Memorials may be sent to The United Methodist Church Circle of Care - Boys Ranch.