Ron-McNair-Obituary

Ron McNair

Obituary

South Carolina native Ronald Ervin McNair was a graduate of MIT and a nationally recognized physicist who specialized in laser technology. He was proficient in the martial arts, having earned a black belt in karate, and was also an accomplished saxophonist.

In 1978, McNair was selected for the astronaut program and, in 1984, became the second African American in space as Mission Specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Two years later McNair was again selected to be part of the Challenger crew. On January 28, 1986, he and the other six crew members were killed when the space shuttle exploded seconds after launch.

Twenty-five years after his death, we remember astronaut Ron McNair and invite you to share memories and condolences in his Guest Book.

Guest Book

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What an inspiring American hero who we can all look up to. Rest in Peace, Ronald McNair.

rest in peace

Even though our schools were only 30 minutes apart via Interstate 40 in North Carolina (Winston-Salem State University) and Dr. McNair's NC A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, he's an example of the contributions of proud HBCUs.

To the family and to the world: Ronald McNair gave his life for the good of mankind. May he never be forgotten.

Ronald E. McNair

I'm working on a digital project about Ron because I live in the city he came from.
he is AWESOME!

My god bless you and your family always and forever.

I am researching African American Baha'is and found this information on one outstanding person, Ron McNair. I am so happy for his honors and his inestimable social contributions.

you are the greatest, from Mia Wilson
Third grade student at Stevenson Elementary School in Southfield, Michigan.

A true American Hero. RIP Sir.