Broughton Joe Blair

Broughton Joe Blair, 88, of Etowah departed this life peacefully at home on May 23, 2022. The family is deeply saddened by their loss, but rejoicing that he is eternally resting in peace. He was born on March 1, 1934, as the fourth of eight children to the late Harless and Mattie Bell Blair of Etowah. Broughton was a self-taught man who went on to establish two successful businesses in Etowah at the foot of "Blair Hill" near the intersection of Athens Pike and Highway 30 where he was born and raised. First, the Etowah Safety Center where he often gave of his time and talents working after hours to help his customers, friends and strangers alike for little or no charge. Then again in 1977, he founded Blair's Auto Parts where he worked alongside his two sons for 25 years. Broughton believed in honest work and loved to work. Even after "retiring," he could not sit idle so he took on part time jobs to remain in contact with his old customers and friends. He was a man of deep faith and was a member of Cambria Baptist Church of Etowah. Anyone who knew Broughton was impressed by his kindness, humility and soft temperament. He found joy in the simple things of life, including a good meal, working in his yard, tending to his garden, fishing, watching the Vols, carpentry (or "cobbling" as he would call it), and most importantly, his family. Broughton was a loving and adored husband, father, grandfather and brother whose greatest source of pride and joy was his family. His wife Betty gave tirelessly of herself to stand by and care for Broughton as his physical health declined over his final years. Broughton was preceded in death by his parents, Harless and Mattie Bell Blair; his brothers, Billy Blair, Wayne Blair, Charles Blair, Archie Blair and Dennis Blair; and his brother-in-law, Ozell Evans. Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Betty Miller Blair; sons and their spouses, Philip Shane Blair and Mary "Mimi" Blair of Etowah, and Joel S. "Jody" Blair and Teri Blair, all of Etowah; grandchildren, Buffy Blair McDonald, Jessica Blair Goodin and husband, Cody Goodin, and Russ Blair and wife, Savannah Blair; great-grandchildren, Keely McDonald, Jonah McDonald, Landry McDonald, Sadie Goodin, Jake Goodin, Ellie Goodin, Beau Blair, Braxton Blair and Brooks Blair; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Paul Coleman; brother and sister-in-law, Van Allen and Debbie Blair; sister-in-law, Marian Evans; along with nieces and nephews, extended family and an abundance of friends. Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah handled arrangements for the Blair family. Family and friends assembled on Thursday, May 26, at McMinn Memory Gardens for the 11 a.m. graveside service, with his grandson, Russ Blair, and the Rev. Jimmy Dunn officiating. If you were unable to attend, sign the guest registry at www.bordwinefuneralhome.com