William Edgar "Eddie" McNair III

Eddie McNair of Edenton, NC passed away peacefully at ECU Medical Center surrounded by his family on July 15, 2026.

He was born in Greensboro, NC to the late William E McNair Jr. and the late Patricia Smith Madry.

In addition to his wife Lisa he is survived by his son, Aaron; his step-mom, Susan McNair; brothers, Ronnie (Amy), Steve (Stephanie), and Lee; mother-in-law, Shirley Stanfield; sister-in-laws, Robin Nunnally (Wyatt), Kim Ratliff (Bob), and Rene’ Stanfield; nephews and nieces include Shane, Lela, Caden, little Shane, Olivia, Michelle, Kara, and Krista; and great nephew, Macon.

He spent much of his early years in Columbia and Gum Neck, NC where he graduated from High School and went on to get an Associate Degree in Business from Louisburg College. Later in life he moved to Edenton, where he met the love of his life and soulmate at the Chowan County Fair. Together they made lasting memories because Eddie was always up for a new adventure.

He was employed by Hampton Farms as the Logistic Manager in Edenton, many coworkers referred to him as the "Gentle Giant" because his heart was as big as his stature. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and sometimes would stop along the road to help someone in need. That big heart of his even extended to animals, he never complained when his family brought home strays and would often bring one home himself. At home his “happy place” was either cutting grass or underneath his outdoor kitchen using one of his many grills to master a new recipe then inviting friends and neighbors over for dinner. He was known for his quick wit and infectious sense of humor, bringing laughter and smiles to everyone around him. On one of his golfing trips to Myrtle Beach, he was mistaken for a famous comedian. Eddie was asked to autograph a baseball cap, and that cap still hangs in that Myrtle Beach restaurant today, signed Larry The Cable Guy.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 25 at 11:00 am at Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral & Crematory in Edenton, NC with visitation to follow after the service.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to either The Hope Lodge of Greenville 930 A Wellness Drive, Greenville NC 27834 or Tri-County Animal Shelter 138 Icaria Road Tyner, NC 27980.

Lisa and Aaron want to extend a special thank you to everyone who rallied behind them during the last couple months of Eddie’s long journey.