Orrin Tyrel

Plair

Orrin Tyrel Plair was born to the union of Dan Plair, Jr. and Clarissa Strong-Banks Plair on January 31, 1978, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in the midst of the fierce snowstorm of 1978. As a military child, Orrin experienced life in many places, attending schools in Fort Knox, Kentucky; Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Killeen and Fort Hood, Texas; Mexico City and Acapulco, Mexico; Lewisville, Texas; Midland, Texas; and the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. He attended both Killeen High School and Lewisville High School, graduating from Lewisville. He played football throughout his four years of high school as a defensive lineman. After high school, he attended Midland College and later graduated from Mountain View College with a degree in Welding Science.

Following the passing of his fiancée, Little Angel Battle, Orrin chose not to marry, instead devoting himself to his nieces and nephews, who affectionately called him “Uncle Frank.” He doted on each of them, sharing his time and love as though they were his own children. Every niece and nephew held a special place in his heart. Whether dancing, singing, playing games, or simply spending time together, he treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives. He loved them dearly, and we hope they will always know just how much.

A devoted sports enthusiast, Orrin proudly supported the San Francisco 49ers, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, the New York Yankees, and the San Diego Padres. His knowledge of sports was remarkable; he could readily recite statistics about his favorite teams and their players, both past and present.

Orrin also found joy in fishing and could often be seen casting a line at area lakes. He did more than catch fish—he cooked and enjoyed his catch, too. If you happened to be nearby, you were sure to be offered a taste.

Known to his family as “Tyrel” or “Ty,” Orrin had a passion for cooking. He enjoyed experimenting with spices and creating flavorful dishes, including jerk chicken, brisket, beans, and vegetables. He especially loved grilling steaks and frying turkeys. Our Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings will not be the same without his moist, delicious fried turkey.

Orrin took pride in his appearance and loved to dress well and smell good, even when simply heading to work. Outside of work, he could often be found wearing a sharp suit—sometimes a three-piece—with a coordinating hat and shoes. Even his casual attire reflected his attention to detail. When wearing a jersey from one of his favorite teams, everything coordinated, right down to his pants, shoes, and hat.

Tyrel loved to travel, particularly to the Pacific Northwest, where he could witness the majesty of God’s creation. His vacations took him to Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Iowa, Nevada, and California, among many other destinations. He traveled to nearly every state, often on his own, and visited several countries through cruises. He welcomed new experiences and was always excited to share what he had learned about the world.

Family reunions were especially meaningful to Orrin because they gave him opportunities to reconnect with cousins and other relatives. Sometimes, he invited his cousins to join him on excursions, creating memories along the way. With an appreciation for nostalgia, he treasured family heirlooms, memorabilia, and souvenirs. Wherever his travels took him, he remembered those he loved, bringing each of us a souvenir to commemorate his journey.

While growing up, Orrin was active in churches in the communities where he lived, most notably Anderson Chapel AME Church in Killeen. He also occasionally attended the Inspiring Body of Christ Church in Dallas. Although he was not a regular church attendee, his Christian faith was quiet and personal, rooted in his relationship with Jesus Christ.

Orrin was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; his uncle, John Plair; his aunt, Brenda Lee Briner; his cousin, Tawanna Plair; and his fiancée, Little Angel Battle.

Cherishing his life and memory are his parents, Dr. Clarissa “Jeannie” Plair of Waxahachie and Dan (Itzel) Plair of Killeen; his brother, John H. Plair of Huntsville; and his four sisters, Colleen M. Plair of Waxahachie, Stephanie (Angel) Calderon of Killeen, Dr. Sue-Ellen (Keenan) Washington of Red Oak, and Sashaa Plair of Austin.

He also leaves his uncles, Roy (Gwen) Plair of East Chicago, Indiana, Terry (Lona) Ellis and Michael (Stephnie) Strong, both of Parkersburg, West Virginia; and his aunts, Elaine Mounia of East Chicago, Indiana, and Pam Franklin of Parkersburg, West Virginia.

His love lives on through his nephews, Malcolm, John, Jr., Christian, Zachary, and Kaden; and his nieces, Jonica, Laila, Jaden, Gwendolyn, Aaliyah, and Kalia. His extended bonus family includes his sister, Tania (Cosmin) Coza, and his brothers, Roger (Zaria) Torres and Kevin Torres, all of Canada.

Orrin is also lovingly remembered by his great-uncles, John Plair of Harvey, Illinois, and John Alexander of South Bend, Indiana; along with a host of relatives and cousins. Among those who held a special place in his life are LaTisha Franklin, Javon Gillespie, Royce and Maurice Love, Ukonte Plair, DaRai and Danisha Briner, and David and Manuel Jeannette.