Papa's Letter to His Grandson, Dexter

 I was in correspondence with Benona's son, Dexter. He kindly shared the beautiful letter that Papa (Charles Franklin McNair) wrote to him. The photocopy was smudged so he translated the letter as best as he could. Frank McNair was in tune with life as it is on earth.

Benona McNair Parnell - Frank and Ella's daughter

1963

Ada Benona McNair Parnell

My Grandmother's sister

Benona died at age 44 of Lymphosarcoma. 

Pictured below: Benona, sons Robert Dexter & Mac Howard Parnell

This picture was taken in Thalia Texas probably about 1946. They were visiting my grandmother, Ava Jones, Bennie's sister. Ava and J.C. Jones lived across the street from the Thalia schools. 

 Left to Right: Benona, Dexter, Mac Parnell - Doris Jones Jackson, Mitch Jackson, Faye Jones, Truman Quillin, Sr, Truman Bryan Quillin Jr.

Sitting on Papa's Lap

1958

Charles Franklin McNair, our great-grandfather, came for a visit in Vernon, Texas. We lived in the house on Texas Street.

pictured below: Nancy, Bryan, Paula, Papa

 

Papa McNair - 4 Generations

 

Song About Family Roots

 

Roots

By Parmelee

Songwriters: William Blake Bollinger, Ben Stennis, Jared Tyler Mullins.

 

I can't outrun these roots

Even if I wanted to

Cause they run too strong, run too deep,

Cutting right through the heart of me.

 

It doesn’t matter where I plant these boots.

I can't outrun these roots.

There's still that back-home part of me,

that can't help but see things differently.

 

I see no need to put a 'G' on the end of huntin' or fishin'

I still have granddaddy's bible, his old rifle and his name

I also have his ‘pour a little more’

Coarsin' through my veins.

 

No, it doesn’t matter where I plant these boots;

I can't outrun these roots.

Adult Children Visit the McNairs

This is from the Vernon Daily Record. The newspaper had a small section with Lockett community news. Frank and Ella's adult children came for a visit.  Information in 6th paragraph.

Ava Ella McNair - School Days

MIMI ATTENDED SCHOOL IN THALIA, TEXAS

 Mimi attended the Old Wooden Thalia School.

Below: Thalia built and new school. Mimi and Pappy lived across the street from these schools.

This would be where Mother (Carolita Jones) and her siblings attended school.

Mimi eventually married Joe Carroll Jones. His brother, George, is pictured here with his school classmates.