William "Bill" Blair Jr.

It is with great sadness that the family of William “Bill” “Beau” Blair announces his unexpected passing on February 18, 2024. While we are shocked by his death, we are grateful for his life. Bill, a resident of Gonzales, LA, passed away at his home at the age of 73 after an 18-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather known as “Pops”. He had a soft spot for Sophie, his dog, who was with him at his passing. He was born on June 15, 1950 in Sylacauga, Al. He was preceded in death by his parents William Byron Blair Sr., and MaeDell Anne Guillory Blair; his daughter, Rebecca Elizabeth Blair; brother, David Blair; nephew, Gabriel Fontenot; as well as other relatives. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Alice Taylor Blair; son, Byron Taylor Blair, wife Ashleigh; grandchildren, Kayt Carlson Blair and Liam Byron Blair; sister, Rose Blair Fontenot; father and mother-in-law, Larry and Wilma Taylor; brother-in-law, Paul Taylor, wife Roslyn; sisters-in-laws, Nedda Taylor and Jeri Taylor (Dianne); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. As a 1974 graduate of LSU his passion was teaching. Bill was ordained a Deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge on July 13, 2002 and ministered at St. Theresa of Avila until July, 2020. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 9 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1022 N Burnside Ave., Gonzales, La. celebrated by Fr. Matthew McCaughey. At Bill’s request, pallbearers with be members of our church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org or directly to the family.