Elmer Dale Blair

Mr. Blair is preceded by his mother Bernice, father Elmer Jackson, sister Maverine, brother Larry, beloved wife, Irmgard and sons Ali and Steve.

Mr. Blair is survived by his beloved sister Doris Bonds and brother Doyle Blair.

Mr. Blair is also survived by two sons and daughters-in-law Jeff and Stacy Blair, Christopher and Katie Blair, Carol Blair, and Carole Blair. He also leaves behind his eleven grandchildren Sarah and Ronnie Tidwell, Josh and Sara Blair, Darin and Amanda Vaughan, Jackson and Brandie Blair, Graeham Blair, Justin and Loren Blair, Kiersten Blair, Cassidy Blair, Julian Blair, Danielle Buckaloo, Ayla Blair, and Riley Blair. Ed also leaves behind his nine great-grandchildren Kayla and Ivan Tidwell, Erich and Lena Blair, Grayson and Oliver Vaughan, and Harper, Hadley, and Hannah Blair.

Ed was born and raised in Albertville, Alabama. After high school he headed north to Detroit to try his hand in automotive assembly. He began his 30 years of service in the USAF in 1951 in San Antonio where he was assigned to Brooks AFB after basic training. His following assignments spanned the globe and included Germany, Nevada, California, Colorado, Vietnam, Arizona, Taiwan, Florida, Guam, Louisiana, and Texas.

After his retirement from the Air Force in 1980, Ed went to work for the U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas until 1992. After his second retirement, he stayed home to be with his beloved wife Irmgard and enjoy life with the loving family that adored him in every way.

Ed was the most kind and generous father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He was known by many aliases- Granddaddy, Grandpa, G-Pa, Great Grandpa, Dad, Daddio- but to all he was the same pillar of strength and love. His personality paralleled that of his beloved wife, Irmgard. He had no prejudice or bias towards any person. Ed saw no flaws in the people he surrounded himself with. His unbridled love and warmth was felt by everyone he was around. Saying that he will be missed is a “quantum understatement.”

Services will be held this Saturday at 2 PM at Colonial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ed’s favorite charity, The Red Cross.