Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

5750 Hwy 277 South

Abilene, Texas

Raymond Blair Obituary

Raymond H. Blair

Lubbock

Raymond H. Blair, a long time Abilene resident, passed away peacefully at home in Lubbock on Friday December 7, 2012 at the age of 96. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 12th at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South in Abilene, Texas. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 11th from 5:00- 7:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home.

Raymond was born on January 22, 1916 in Parker County near Boyd, Texas to Emery Wesley Blair and Julia Ann (Sanders) Blair. He was the last of twelve children. He graduated from High School in Springtown and later from Tarleton Junior College in Stephenville where he was the leading scorer on the 1940 State Champion Basketball Team. After college, he began a long career with Southwestern Bell Telephone that would span more than forty years. During WWII, he served as a Seabee in the Navy, stationed in the Aleutian Islands. He later attended Officer Candidate School and then served as an Ensign in the Pacific Theatre. After the war he resumed his career with Southwestern Bell. He married Mary Claude Blacklock from Ranger, Texas on September 13, 1948, the beginning of a long and loving union until her death in 2003.

In his later years, Raymond spent many hours listening to his collection of traditional Country and Western music. He was also an avid fan of the Texas Rangers, The Dallas Mavericks, and the Dallas Cowboys but most of all; he enjoyed long conversations with his many friends.

Raymond is survived by his daughter Linda Kolb and her husband Troy of Lufkin, Texas; son, Gary Blair and his wife, Phyllis of Lubbock, Texas; Grandchildren Charles and Robert Philp of Lufkin, Drew Blair of Lubbock and Lacey Blair of Denver, Colorado; and nine great grandchildren.

Raymond was a kind, generous and loving man who will be missed by all who knew him.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com.

Published by Abilene Reporter-News on Dec. 10, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Blair

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Our prayers and sympathy go to all the family of Raymond. He was a truly honorable man and good friend. He was highly respected by our family and many good times were shared with Raymond, Mary, and Gary. Baseball seasons were the most memorable. Treasure the memories of the good times, as we will also. Sorry we will be unable to attend his services, but our love and thoughts go out to each of you, especially Gary.
Peggy, Kathy, Eddie, and Debbie Elmore
Abilene, Texas

December 11, 2012

I remember happy times spending it with Mary Claude and Raymond. Mother and I always visited with them when we were in Abilene. They opened their home to me when I was with Mother in the hospital several years ago.Raymond always made me feel at home.My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Sandy Blacklock West

December 10, 2012

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Raymond Blair's name

Memorial Events
for Raymond Blair

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Elmwood Funeral Home & Memorial Park

5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606

How to support Raymond's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Raymond Blair's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more