Mr. Geary Steffan McNair

Geary Steffan McNair, 63, of Peoria, IL passed away at 6:03 pm on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Unity Point Methodist Hospital. Geary was born on February 6, 1953 in Seattle, WA to Avin Johnny and Garlene Theresa (Holt) McNair. Geary was a Veteran who honorably served over 12 years in the US Army. He later received an Associate’s Degree from Illinois Central College. He was a past Code Enforcement Officer for many years with the City of Peoria. He was also a newspaper courier for the Peoria Journal Star for over 20 years. Geary was a faithful member of Heaven’s View Christian Church where he served as a Trustee and Deacon. He presided over the usher board and was a member of the male chorus. Geary was an athlete. While in the military he was a featherweight boxer. He ran marathons in Chicago and Peoria. Geary raised his daughter Cotisha as a single parent. He married Rhonda Dunigan on June 2, 2012. Geary leaves to cherish his most precious memory his loving and devoted wife, Rhonda (Dunigan) McNair of Peoria; his mother, Garlene McNair of Surry, VA; his daughter, Cotisha (DeMarcus)Russell of Peoria; his step children, Ashanda Dunigan of Indianapolis, IN, Jermaine Dunigan of Winston Salem, NC, Darius Dunigan of Peoria and Jamal Dunigan of East Peoria; and foster daughter, Michaela Hittle of Peoria; brothers, Danny M. McNair, of Renton, WA, Alvin J. McNair, III of Newport News, VA and Gregory McNair of Spokane, WA; sisters, Aljeania Siggal of Conyers, GA, Dolly McNair of Puyallup, WA, Janice McNair of Avondale, AZ, Yvette Brown McNair of Seattle, WA and Alvie McNair of Dallas, TX ; three grandchildren, Ke’Lonna McNair, Keelan McNair and Marqueyja Brown; god daughters, Cary Hines and Ebony Kelley, god sisters, Kimberly (James) Dabbs and Yvette (Fred) Thompson; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Alvin J. McNair, Jr., and three granddaughters, De'Asia Russell, Mezmariyah Russell and DeMari Russell. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 28, 2016 at City of Refuge Cathedral of Worship with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 9:30 am. Host Pastor, Bishop Timothy Criss, Pastors Tony Pierce and Cliff Parks will officiate. Geary will be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL where U. S. Army Military Honors will be rendered. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at simonsmortuary.com.

Tributes

Mr. Geary Steffan McNair

February 6, 1953 - October 18, 2016