Richard H. Blair

Richard H. Blair, a resident for over 50 years of the Colonial Heights Community of Kingsport, passed away peacefully, Saturday, December 23, 2023.

Richard was born and lived his early years in Atlanta, GA and graduated from Murphy High School, where he was President of the Student Body, quarterback, captain, and MVP of the War Eagles 1952 Georgia High School State Champion Football Team. He was selected to the All-State team and played in the annual North vs. South Georgia All Star Game. He was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Florida where he lettered in football and remained a Gator supporter through the years. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He earned his BS degree in math then returned to complete his degree in chemistry. Upon graduation, he began three years active duty as an officer in the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command. He then began a 36-year career with Eastman Chemical Company where he worked in chemicals and plastics sales and marketing management in various positions. This included several years in the New York and New Jersey area with Eastman before returning to Kingsport.

Richard was active in support of various community activities. In past years, he was President of the PTA at both Miller Perry Elementary and Colonial Heights Middle Schools, President of The Colonial Heights Service Club, District Commissioner Boy Scouts of America, and he was an Ordained Elder and youth Sunday School teacher at a previous church home. He was a current member of Colonial Heights Christian Church. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport for over 26 years (since August 1997) and served as Secretary-Treasurer and various committee chairs – most enjoying projects supporting the boys and girls of the Kingsport area. In past years, he was active as a member and on the steering committee of the NE TN Senior Golf League, pairing golf tournaments for the league.

Richard asked to leave these as his parting thoughts to you, his friends and loved ones…

Dear Family and Friends,

Please do not be sad or weep for me… for now I am in God’s Hands… what better place could ANY of us be? I do not have to fear death… HE took care of that for me…oh, and for YOU TOO! What a WONDERFUL LIFE!... Thanks be to GOD that HE chose me to live it…and thank YOU for YOUR part in making it so! rhb

Richard was predeceased by his parents, Mary Joyner Blair and Paul Blair of Atlanta;  the love of his life and wife of over 51 years, Sue Hammond Blair; daughter, Jill Dick; and sister, Mary Alice Rogers.

Survivors include his special children, Jeffrey Blair and wife Cora, Julie Nelson and husband David; and very special grandchildren, Blaine Blair (Stephanie), Bailee (Molly) and Kylee Dick, Jake and Jackson Lester, Cole Nelson (Alexis), and Michael Blair and wife Gretchen and Meagan Blair; great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Brynlee, Laiken, Harper, Indi, Kylan, Leona, and Holden (soon to be born).

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 29, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor David Mullins officiating.

Private graveside services will be conducted  at Oak Hill Memorial Park, with military honors presented by The American Legion Post 3/265.