Chris McNair, father of girl killed in church bombing, dies at 93

Jewell Christopher (Chris) McNair, the father of one of the four young girls killed in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, has died. He was 93.

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of former state legislator and Jefferson County Commissioner Chris McNair,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin in a statement late Wednesday.

“Mr. McNair and his family are forever tied to our country’s civil-rights legacy. When he tragically lost his daughter Denise in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963, his courage and fortitude fueled our march for peace. He was the consummate family man, showcasing an unconditional love for humanity that paved the way for social justice in Birmingham and in our nation.”

Mr. McNair is a former state legislator and former Jefferson County Commissioner.