Photo courtesy of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home - Somerset
Somerset, Kentucky
Jan 5, 1940 – Jul 8, 2022
Jonnie Blair, age 82, of Somerset, KY, passed away on Friday July, 8 2022, at Hospice of Lake Cumberland Jean Waddle Care Center.
Jonnie was born on January 5, 1940, to the late Dr. William and Virginia Blair of Paintsville, KY. He was of the Methodist Faith. He is a veteran of the U.S Navy. Jonnie graduated from Morehead State University with a master’s degree in Education and Biology. He was a professor and Chairman of the science & math department and Director of Development at Lees Jr. College in Jackson, KY; and he retired from KCTCS as Director of Institutional Research and Planning after twenty years. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner who enjoyed photography and model railroading.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Becky Rucker Blair of Somerset, KY; a daughter, Ali Blair of Lexington, KY; two sisters, Bridgett Timbo of Bluffton, SC, and Holly Retcho of Mahwah, New Jersey; two brothers, David Blair of Paintsville, KY, and Scott Blair of Troy, Michigan.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 12, 2022 from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Lake Cumberland Funeral Home.
His funeral service will follow at 2:00pm at the Chapel of Lake Cumberland Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Ogle officiating.
The family requests expressions of sympathy to Hospice of Lake Cumberland
You are welcome to view the obituary and send condolences to the family at our website: www.LakeCumberlandFuneralService.com
Lake Cumberland Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Jonnie Blair
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I'm sorry to hear of Jonnie's passing. He was my first boss after graduate school in the Institutional Research and Planning office at Lees Jr. College (1987-89). He was very kind and patient and he and Mary Herald taught me a good bit about the work I do now at the University of Kentucky. I hope it is a comfort to his family to know that he is so well remembered after all these years.
Nora Hatton
August 25, 2022 | Lexington, KY | Coworker
Becky,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.
Tracy
Tracy Casada
July 22, 2022 | Somerset, KY | Coworker
I want to express deepest sympathy to the family of John Blair. So sorry for your loss. I will always remember his photography when I graduated college Georgetown Ky. God bless you all. Phyllis Maupin Williams
Phyllis Maupin
July 20, 2022 | Sanders, KY | Friend
Becky, my prayers and thoughts are with you today and afterwards during your loss. I am sorry I could not visit today. I thought a lot of Jonnie and you.
Gail Stringer
July 12, 2022 | Ferguson, KY | Coworker
Remembering Jonnie with love and sending love and peace to the family today. I grew up with Jonnie in my life, part of my Lees College family. My Dad was a math/science professor so I was always around as a kid, and Jonnie and Becky were close friends of my parent’s. He has been like an Uncle to me - so, like I said, “family”. I even worked for him for a short time at Lees and it was a great experience. I’ll miss him very much and I’m here for you Becky and Ali. ❤
Cindy Fury
July 12, 2022 | Tallahassee, FL | Family
Dearest Becky, Please know that I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Elaine A. Wilson
July 11, 2022 | Somerset, KY | Friend
Prayers and hugs for you Becky, Jonnie was a wonderful person and he will be sorely missed. He contributed a lot to SCC during his time here.
Kim Rose
July 11, 2022 | Somerset, KY | Coworker
Becky and Family,
Very sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you.
Melissa Chmura
July 11, 2022 | Somerset, KY
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
robert timbo
July 11, 2022 | Lower Gwynedd, PA | Friend