Christopher Eric Blair

Christopher Eric Blair of Aylett, Va. passed away Sunday September 11, 2022 at Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville, Va. Chris was born September 20, 1972 at Lawrence County Memorial Hospital in Ironton, Ohio to Debra Ulery Blair and Rick Blair.

Chris was a 1990 graduate of Pacelli High School in Columbus Georgia, attended Valdosta State University, Fairfax County Northern Virginia Community College, earned a degree in audio engineering from SAE in Nashville, Tn., completed training as an elephant trainer at Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary near Little Rock, Arkansas and as water damage restoration specialist in Florida.

He was an accomplished guitar player, possessing perfect pitch and worked in a wide variety of positions throughout his life including water damage restoration, smart home installation, and zookeeping with an emphasis on elephant care and training. Chris was a jack of all trades, a master of all he attempted . One of his close friends referred to him as "my personal MacGyver". At his death he was employed at True Value 360 Hardware.

Chris was kind, caring, patient, hard working, intelligent, funny, supportive and loyal to his loved ones. He always "had their backs". Laid back and happy, Chris appreciated all types of music, and loved going to concerts. He was an amazing musician and could play anything by ear. Chris was always up for new adventures, especially the outdoors, hiking, camping, metal detecting, and gold prospecting. He was a "sweet and gentle soul" and the best hugger in the world.

He is survived by his two children in Nashville, Leah Rose Blair 21 and Jackson Leo Blair 15, his beloved partner Megan Tarallo Staples (Aylett Va.), Megan's two children, Tyler and Gabby (Aylett, Va.), his paternal grandmother Rita A. Blair (Ironton, Oh.), his maternal grandmother Joan Crowl Ulery (Ironton, Oh.), his sister Ashley Blair Cooper (Lenoir City, Tn), his special friends Andrew Sack and Matthew Marshall and many more loving aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.

There will be a celebration of his life in Ironton Ohio and another in Aylett, Va. Dates and times are not available at this time.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee where two elephants that he worked with,Tange and Sukari, still reside.

The fund raiser web site is

https://shop.elephants.com/fundraisers/in-memory-of-christopher-eric-blair

or donations can be sent directly in his honor to The Elephant Sanctuary P.O. Box Hohenwald, TN 38462