John Robert Blair

John Blair was born 4 July 1943 in San Angelo, Texas to Elmo and Faye Blair. He lost his long hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's disease when he made his transition to his heavenly home on 16 March 2022. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age while growing up in San Angelo. He attended elementary through high school in San Angelo and graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1961. He continued his higher education by attending San Angelo University for two years, until he was drafted into the US Army where he was trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. During his training he received numerous awards and graduated with honors from the Seventh United States Non-Commissioned Officer Academy as a Specialist SP5, 27 January 1967. After completion of his Army duty, he continued his academic pursuit at Baker University, Baldwin, Kansas, where he received a B.S. Degree in Speech and Political Science in 1973. John was awarded a Master of Divinity Degree from Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) Atlanta, Georgia in 1976. Following graduation, John was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Air Force Chaplain Candidate. On 6 February 1977, he was commissioned a Captain in the United States Air Force and entered active duty on 6 March 1977. John's military career spans 30 years and includes the following assignments; AETC Command Chaplain, Randolph AFB, TX, USAFE Command Chaplain, Ramstein AB, Germany, AIA Senior Agency Chaplain, Kelly AFB, San Antonio, TX, Chief of Readiness, HQ Air Force Chaplain Division, Bolling AFB, Washington, DC, Student, Air University, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL, Wing Chaplain, 8 TFW, Kunsan AB, ROK, Chief of the Base Support Division, ATC Command Chaplains Office, Randolph AFB, TX, Executive Officer, 3700 ABG, Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX, Protestant Chaplain, 86TFW, Ramstein AB, Germany and Protestant Chaplain, 66 AFB, MA. His awards and decorations are many. Most notable include the following; Legion of Merit with 2 bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with 3 bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. Highly noteworthy is his honor of being the first USAF, active duty African-American chaplain to attend Air War College in residence (1992). Following John's retirement from active duty in the United States Air Force (October 2003) he continued to provide service to the military. He worked full time as Chief of Plans and Readiness for the National Guard Bureau (NGB), Washington, DC (2004-2011). He consistently distinguished himself by coordinating Air National Guard and Army National Guard personnel in response to natural and man-made disasters. Throughout his tenure at the NGB he was a strong and effective advocate for equality within the NGB in general and the Joint Chaplain Directorate in particular. He was a natural leader who commanded respect of all assigned personnel. John was completely devoted to his friends and family. John adored his wife, Gerri; he made sure that her happiness always came first. John and Gerri shared many special times together, especially, dancing to “Golden Oldies” music. John grew to love dancing; he danced with Gerri, almost daily, up until his final days. John was a very organized hard worker even outside his professional endeavors; he was meticulous with his cars and home. He found much satisfaction in being outside doing yardwork; this was his way to unwind and relax. John loved animals, especially his dog, Bo. His favorite pastimes were playing with his dog and watching TV sports events, especially, The Dallas Cowboys games. John was preceded in death by both parents, Elmo and Faye Blair, his son Leslie K Blair, his sister June Williams, his brother Charles Blair and a host of other very close relatives. He leaves his legacy and cherished memories to his loving wife, Gerri H-Barnett Blair, Smithfield, VA, a son, Laurent K Blair, Richmond, VA, Aunts; Opal J. Hampton, Pasadena, CA, Rose Johnson-Fontana, CA; Nieces April Williams, Overland Park, KS, Lisa Crooms, Dallas, TX, and Lisa Clifford Young, Waco, TX, Nephew, Bobby Littles, Waco, TX, and a host of cousins, Great Nieces and friends. John never forgot his humble roots and was always conscious of the disparities he experienced as an African-American. Consequently, he fought valiantly within the system for equal opportunity and justice for minorities at every level of his career. He was pragmatic, kind, resourceful, strategic in thinking and always available to help those in need of help. He will be missed tremendously and leaves an unimaginable void for those whose lives he touched. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com. “DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY” LOVE YOU ETERNALLY