Obituary: William "Bill" Johnson Blair

William “Bill” Johnson Blair of Ariton, Alabama, passed away peacefully at the home of his Granddaughter, Jeni and Tom Teachman, in Beverly Hills, Florida, on March 6, 2022. 

Mr. Blair was born in Opp, Alabama, to Mary Alice Johnson and Louie Monrow Blair on August 11, 1934. William attended primary elementary school in Opp, Alabama. In his early years he helped work the family farm and raise his younger siblings.

William married Jean House of Lumpkin, Georgia, on December 30, 1953. William and Jean moved to Ocoee, Florida, in the early ’60s, where they raised their four children. They later moved to Ferndale, Florida, where they lived for many years before retiring to Caryville, Florida, and Ariton, Alabama.

William owned and operated Blair Plastering and Tile for several years traveling the State of Florida perfecting his trade. He was well known throughout Central Florida for his level of skill and attention to detail in his work.

William is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years Jean House Blair; his father and mother; sisters, Mary Ellen Blair, Opal Deese and CoraLee Hobbs; brothers, James Blair and Jerry Blair; daughter, Carolyn Blair Dooley; son-in-law, Michael Dooley; granddaughter, Chrissy Dooley Calhoun.

He is survived by his children, Patricia Alexander (Peter) of Winter Garden, Florida, William (Rusty) Blair of Chipley, Florida, and Deborah Glass of Toledo, Ohio. He leaves behind his brother, John Blair of Westville, Florida, who passed less than 24 hours after his brother; his beloved grandchildren, Jeni Teachman (Tom), Kelly Hall, Shannon Dooley, William Daniel Blair, Steven Glass (Liz), Matthew Dooley, Krystal Blair, Jessica Mathesius, Jonathan Glass, Mark Glass and Melissa Roberts (Russ); 18 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews, far too many to name.

Our sincere appreciation to Vitas Hospice of Citrus County Florida for their support during our time of need.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Hayes Funeral Home, 431 Davis Street E., Elba, AL 36323.

Visitation was at Hayes Funeral Home Chapel from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022. Funeral service immediately followed at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Derek Snellgrove officiating. Committal services followed at the Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery in Elba, Alabama.