Blair Wayne Downey

Blair Wayne Downey (1953 - 2023) - A Life Filled with Love
Blair Downey was born on December 6, 1953 in Wilmington, Delaware to loving parents William and Elaine Downey. As the fifth of eight children, he joined a rowdy band of Eagles fanatics who were constantly on the lookout for mischief as they explored their neighborhood for adventure. Ultimately, these early years surrounded by family would instill a love for others that set the cornerstone of his life.
Baseball traveled with Blair from his youth through his time at Concord High School. A southpaw with a fiery spirit, he found his calling on the pitcher's mound. One incident stands as a testament to his relentless, competitive spirit. The last inning of a critical baseball game with a single out remaining. The batter at the plate was none other than Blair's younger brother, Bobby. A classic family showdown. Coached by his own father, Blair was in a unique predicament. Would he let fraternal love cloud his judgment? Would he give his brother an easy pass? The answer was a resounding no. With a steely gaze, Blair wound up and delivered a pitch that would go down in family lore. It must have been the highlight of Blair's baseball career – because he never let his brother forget it.
Upon earning his degree from the University of Delaware, Blair felt a call for adventure and exploration. He set his sights west, chasing the California sun and ultimately the desert sunsets of Arizona. Despite the allure of mild winters, nothing quite replaced the pull of his native Delaware. Nevertheless, Blair began to carve out a life. He dove headfirst into the bustling world of transportation and logistics, where he quickly made a name for himself for his competence and care.
Not long after making Phoenix his home, Blair married Thelma (née Thomas). Blair embarked on the journey of parenthood, raising two sons with an abundance of love and guidance. Blair's fatherly teachings extended beyond the practicalities of life. He instilled in his sons a deep reverence for God, a steadfast loyalty to the Eagles - regardless of the season's ups and downs - and, above all, a commitment to selfless service. His lessons were not only words, but a way of life, a legacy of love and altruism he wished his sons to carry forward.
As his sons began to age, Blair yearned for the surroundings of family and decided to return to his beloved First State. Reunited at last with his mother and siblings, the boisterous band of Eagles fans were back, their shared love for each other rekindled and stronger than ever. Blair's seasoned experience in team building and transportation blended with his love of Delaware in a perfect match for the job where he would eventually retire. While employed at DART, Blair demonstrated his love for the community and coworkers, proudly introducing himself to new friends as a servant of the state he loved.
Despite health issues prompting an early retirement, Blair refused to let life slow down. He remained a vibrant presence within his church and local community. After a long search, he found a spiritual home at Grace & Truth Community Church, where his love for God was reignited and flourished. His legacy from this period is one of kindness, a playful sense of humor, and an unwavering willingness to lend a hand to those in need. These traits were not merely aspects of his personality, but reflections of a life lived in love.
Blair passed away suddenly on November 24, 2023 in Dover at the age of 69. He leaves two sons, Blair II together with wife Megan (née Abney) and Christopher together with wife Krystina (née Mull); granddaughters Alicia, Thea, Willa, Arden, and Madeleine; brother Michael; and sisters Karen and Robin. Blair is survived by his beloved Claire who was lovingly by his side to the very end. Though his family mourns, they find solace in a life well lived, one overflowing with love.
Blair Downey was loved. His life was a love story – a love story of a man and his family, a man and his community, a man and the love of his life and ultimately the love story of a man and his Lord and Savior.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11 am at the Faries Funeral Chapel in Smyrna. Funeral services begin at 12 pm. Burial follows at Holy Cross Cemetery in Dover.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation be made in his name to the Delaware Nature Society by clicking HERE.