Harry Melvin Blair

Harry Melvin Blair, Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy (Retired), passed away on Patriot Day, September 11, 2007 in North Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 92. He was a true patriot and was proud of being a Navy Man. Mr. Blair was preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Lorene Virginia McClellan Blair, who passed away a little more than six weeks ago. His cause of death was most likely a broken heart; he just could not live without the love of his life. They are now together again for eternity. He was also preceded in death by his parents Henry McClure Blair and Susie Leona Rawlings Blair, and brothers Cecil Rawlings Blair and Eugene McClure Blair. Mr. Blair is survived by his sons Charles Rawlings Blair and his wife Kathryn Karr Blair, and Dr. Timothy McClure Blair and his wife Cynthia Ezell Blair, and grandchildren Virginia Jean Blair, James Bryce Blair, Kristina Marie Cassias McCullough, Bethany Ruth Ezell, Laura Lea Ezell, and Anna Christine Ezell. Mr. Blair was born on April 23, 1915 in Joplin, Missouri. He lived in Joplin until he joined the Navy, where he faithfully served his country until retiring on March 1, 1967. He married Lorene McClellan on February 14, Valentines Day, 1947. They traveled with the Navy to Oregon, Hawaii, California, and Arkansas. He served on the USS Tennessee during World War II, Korea, and during the evacuation of the French from Vietnam. He retired in Little Rock as a Naval Recruiter. He resided in North Little Rock and Sherwood for the remaining forty years of his life. He worked at Baptist Hospital, then at Arkansas Children�s Hospital as a hospital maintenance engineer until his retirement. He and Mrs. Blair were faithful and dedicated members of First Lutheran Church where he was a member of the choir and actively involved with the First Care Ministry for the Blind and the Lutheran Laymen�s League. He also served many years as an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock. He loved his participation with the Boy Scouts, the family farm, and driving his truck, Old Blue. He was an avid vegetable gardener, enjoyed the water, and loved people, good conversation, laughter, and good food. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to everyone he met. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home on 7724 Landers Road (between Wildwood and Kiehl exits) in Sherwood (501) 835-3515. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 10:00 at the First Lutheran Church on 314 East Eighth Street (8th and Rock) in Little Rock, Arkansas, immediately followed by interment service at Rest Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Sherwood with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the First Lutheran Church or Arkansas School for the Blind (Attn: Katie Hodge), 2600 West Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203.