Thomas Purcell McNair Jr.

THOMAS PURCELL MCNAIR, JR., a world renowned horseman, clinician and judge, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 3, 2006. Tom was the son of Thomas P. McNair, Sr., and Irene Littleton Chandler, he was born in Lakeland, Florida, and spent his childhood throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. He graduated from Randolph-Henry High School in Charlotte Court House, Va., and his athletic prowess included All State Basketball and All State Football. He attended Hampden-Sydney College prior to a 4-year term in the U.S.A.F. He later attended Virginia Tech. Tom was hired as Manager-Trainer for Gleannloch Farms Arabian Stud in Spring, then owned by Douglas B. Marshall and Margaret Cullen Marshall, a position which he held for 23 years and during which time Gleannloch Farms grew to one of the most prestigious Arabian horse farms in the world. In addition to showing nationally and internationally Tom assisted in the importation from Egypt of more than 70 horses including the world famous *MORAFIC. Tom was first recognized nationally with the horse SURF, taking him to AHSA "Horse of the Year" a feat unequaled by another horse for 12 years. Among the hundreds of championships earned by Tom, he is most remembered for his wins with *SAKR+++ winning 5 National Championships, 3 Reserve National Championships and 125 championships over the course of his show career. The chant "Sic 'Em Sakr" rang out throughout the show rings nationwide. Later, while employed at Thistlewood Farms *SAKR+++ died in his arms. Tom is beloved by his friends and fellow horsemen the world over, for his knowledge, his willingness to help others throughout his clinics, his articles, and his unselfish service to others. In 1985 he was voted American Horse Shows Association HORSEMAN OF THE YEAR. In 2003 Tom was honored by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at Reliant Center. In 2004 he received a "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT" award from the Pyramid Society for distinguished service to the Egyptian Arabian Horse Association worldwide. In 2005 he received a "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT" award from the American Professional and Amateur Horseman's Association (APAHA). At the 2005 National Arabian Horse Show received a "LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT" award for his judging career, and was in the first group of inductees of the AHA Judges Hall Of Fame. In 2006 he received the "REGION 9 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT" for this 5-state region. Tom has received hundreds of emails, cards, flowers, and calls from around the world honoring him for his achievements, his knowledge, and for his unselfish and genuine caring. A man beloved by all who knew him, if a man was measured by friends he would be considered the richest man in the world. Tom is survived by his loving wife Sylvia Jones McNair, his son Dan and wife Linda McNair, his daughter Maggie and husband Ben Huggins, and 4 grandchildren, Micah Huggins, Shane Huggins, Zachary McNair, Katherine McNair and 8 step-grandchildren from Dan's wife Linda. He is survived by one brother, E. Chandler McNair and wife Claudia McNair in Columbia, S.C. and two loving nieces Marion Coleman and Irene Trotter, one nephew Clarke McNair and a number of grand-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife Rhita Bailey McNair. Tom is loved and admired by a worldwide following of devoted friends and fellow horsemen. Most importantly, Tom knew that Jesus was his Lord and Savior and desired that all would come to a right standing and knowledge of Christ and His salvation. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, May 7, 2006 at Klein Funeral Home-Champion Forest. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 8, 2006 at the Champion Forest Baptist Church, 15555 Stuebner Airline in Houston, TX 77069. For those desiring, donations may be made to The Horsemen's Distress Fund (specifically designated for The Tom McNair Fund) ,236 Henry Sanford Road, Bridgewater, CT 06752 (860)354-8926.