Gair Roosevelt Allie Sr.

1931 - 2016

October 29, 1931 - October 4, 2016
Gair Roosevelt Allie Sr, 84 succumbed to Heart disease at his home surrounded by his family on October 4, 2016. Gair Allie was born in Statesville, North Carolina on October 29, 1931. He attended Statesville High School where he excelled in education as well athletics. He was named Mr. Statesville his senior year which represented the top all-around athlete within the city. Gair choose an athletic scholarship to play baseball at Wake Forest University over a football scholarship at the University of North Carolina. Gair became very good friends with Arnold Palmer while at Wake Forest as they lived in the athletic dorm and they continued to remain friends over the years. While at Wake Forest he was being scouted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as well the New York Yankees. Gair choose to play for the Pirates in 1952 due to his relationship with Branch Ricky Jr. The pirates sent Gair to the New Orleans Pelicans and was awarded the honorary mayor of New Orleans due to his excellent baseball ability and popularity within New Orleans community. Gair was called up to the major leagues in 1954 and debut in his first game on April 13, 1954. In 1955 while in Havana Cuba during spring training he broke his ankle and leg which sent him to rehab. Gair recuperated and was eventually sent to the Pacific coast league and played for the Hollywood stars. Gair was eventually drafted into the Army during the Korean War and arrived in San Antonio where he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. Gair settled down in San Antonio once his baseball and military career was over. His hard work led him to become the Sales Manager and Vice president of Falstaff and Lone Star beer distributers. Gair left the beer business and opened Raffles Restaurant and bar in 1987. Gair operated Raffles with his family until 2015 to enjoy the fruits of his labors. He was blessed with many wonderful friendships. Gair never meet a stranger and his vibrant smile made sure of that. Gair was one of the original founders of the "Nooners lunch club", "Sweet Ole Boys", proud member of the Hunters group, Lifetime member of the San Antonio Stock show and Rodeo, Martini Foundation and a life time member of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Gair is survived by his wonderful wife Rita , his daughter Dianne , His boys Steve and Gair R Allie Jr as well Lori Shellhorn and Stacey Allie. Gair was blessed with three wonderful grandchildren that he loved so very much. Kyleigh, Nick, Brandal and wife Delanie as well one great grandchild Connor. Gair is proceeded in death by His mother Marjorie Brittain and Kermit R. Allie, Deems "Butch" Allie, Dianne Anderson and surviving sister Sherwin Trautz of New Jersey and sister in law Marilee of Tucson Arizona as well numerous family.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 7:00 PM at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North on Thursday, October 13, 2016. A rosary will be held immediately following the visitation. Funeral services for Gair will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church located at 8134 Blanco Road on Friday, October 14, 2016 at 9:45 am. Gair will be laid to rest at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas immediately following the funeral services.