Brownsville in Cameron County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

McNair Park

Harry Eugene (Gene) McNair, Sr.

— November 13, 1924-November 6, 2005 —

McNair Park Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

1. McNair Park Marker

Inscription.
On November 7, 2006, the Brownsville City Commission officially renamed this neighborhood park to honor Harry Eugene (Gene) McNair, Sr.

Harry Eugene (Gene) McNair, Sr. was born in Augusta, Georgia in 1924 and moved to Brownsville, Texas in 1935. He attended Brownsville public schools and Texas A & M University before joining the Army Air Corps in 1942. He served his country as a 2nd Lieutenant Bombardier/Navigator in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Texas A&I University in Kingsville in 1948. Gene returned to Brownsville and began his career working in the family's business, McNair Clothing Manufacturing Company. Their main office and factory were located on East Fronton and East 8th Streets. He expanded the business from a small regional company into a national manufacturing company with more than 1000 employees, which was the largest private employer south of San Antonio. Gene sold the manufacturing company in 1972.

Gene married the former Sarah Ward Grider of the pioneer Celaya family and they reared eight children: Karen, Karol, John, Harry Jr., Michael, Stephen, George

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and Mary. He served Brownsville as City Commissioner from 1959 to 1961 and Mayor from 1961 to 1963. He was a member of the Public Utility Board, director of the Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Brownsville Airport Authority and a member of the Board of City Development. Gene was also a member of the Valley Zoological Society and chairman of the Historic Brownsville Museum from its inception in 1985 until 2005. He was deeply involved with the Catholic Church and Catholic schools in Brownsville. He served as president of the advisory boards of Sacred Heart School, St. Joseph Academy, Villa Maria High School and St. Mary's School, as well as the Board of Education of the Diocese of Brownsville. Gene was a patriot, author, poet, photographer and outdoorsman.

Harry Eugene (Gene) McNair, Sr. lived an amazingly productive life filled with love for his family, devotion to his church, allegiance to his country, respect for the outdoors and service to the City of Brownsville.

Erected 2006 by City of Brownsville.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce

Photographed by Dave W, March 14, 2026

2. McNair Park Marker

• Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 25° 54.328′ N, 97° 30.34′ W. Marker is in Brownsville, Texas, in Cameron County. It is at the intersection of East Saint Charles Street and E 4th St, on the right when traveling south on East Saint Charles Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 E St Charles St, Brownsville TX 78520, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Browne-Wagner Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Browne/Wagner House (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Browne-Wagner House (about 300 feet away); J.T. Canales (about 600 feet away); Rock-Gomez Residence

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(about 600 feet away); Rock/Gomez House (about 600 feet away); Augustine Celaya House (about 600 feet away); Celaya House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownsville.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 20, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 20, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.