Pastor: Mechelle McNair Not Focused On Circumstances

By Larry Stone July 8, 2009

The minister to Steve and Mechelle McNair said Wednesday's verdict from the Nashville Police on what happened Saturday provided some sort of closure for the family.

Bishop Joseph Walker III of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church spent time with McNair's wife and four children at the funeral home just minutes before a Wednesday afternoon press conference to announce plans for McNair's memorial service. Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas confirmed Saturday's shootings as a murder/suicide.

"It doesn't lighten the load or the burden that they are dealing with, but the news is helpful in providing some closure as to what happened," Walker said. "The grief process is right now acute."

Walker said Mechelle McNair's primary concern in the days following the murder focused on her children and not the circumstances of McNair's death.

"At the moment, Mechelle was grieving the loss of a spouse, a husband," Walker said. "I don't think the circumstances were at the forefront of her mind."

Walker remembered Steve and Mechelle, members of the church, as "two extraordinary people."

"He enjoyed life," Walker said. "He always had a smile. He was a dear, dear friend."

Though the circumstances of McNair's death brought to life news that tainted the quarterback, Walker said he had never done an eulogy for someone that did not have negative aspects to their lives.

"Steve's body of work, his commitment to this community and all that he has contributed to so many around the world, his work ethic on the field and his incredible heart off the field, I think overshadow any of the circumstances," Walker said.

The sanctuary will hold about 4,500. The memorial service, which will include athletes and coaches close to McNair, will be broadcast by ESPN. Walker said McNair's family realized that McNair meant so much to the community and to his fans that they wanted a public portion to his funeral.

"They recognize that this community meant so much to him," Walker said. "To just not have something for this community is not the McNair way. That's what Steve would have wanted and of course Mechelle would honor his request."

When asked what he would say to Steve McNair if given a chance, Walker said he would tell McNair how much the community appreciated him.

"I would tell Steve 'I know you didn't take yourself that seriously because you walked so humbly among us.' This world absolutely loved you and misses you. You would be very proud to know that the work you did here was not in vain,'" Walker said.

"We miss you. We love you."