Edwin Arnold Blair Sr.

Edwin Arnold Blair, Sr. was born on September 6, 1946, in the Dutch Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius ("Statia") to the late Maudest Leerdam Blair and Edward Leslie Blair. Edwin (or "Thirteen" as he was affectionately called) was the youngest child of thirteen from this union. Alongside his brothers and sisters, he grew up in an Adventist home where he was nurtured with love of family and love and worship for the Lord.
In 1961, Edwin moved to Brooklyn, New York where he attended high school and lived with his sister Mildred. In 1966, Edwin was drafted into the United States Army. He spent a few years as a serviceman which included one year in Vietnam.
During his time in the service, he greatly missed his family. Upon his return to New York, Edwin returned home to Statia to spend time with his family and friends. Not long after returning to New York he met Greta Malcolm. In 1970, they married and shortly after started a family; they had two children – Edwin, Jr. and Shemika.
Edwin was an easy going yet hard-working man who exemplified strength, leadership, kindness, and an unwavering love and dedication to his family and loved ones. He was a trustworthy and reliable friend; always willing to lend a helping hand. Edwin also had a cheerful nature that brought smiles and laughter to others. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and servant of God. Edwin loved to play the guitar and was rarely seen without it. Self-taught, he would regularly play as a hobby and as a tool to praise and worship the Lord.
In 2009, Edwin retired from the New York MTA as a bus operator, and he and Greta moved to Ocala, Florida. There, they joined Hope Springs SDA Church of Ocala (formerly known as Silver Springs SDA Church). Hope Springs quickly became his church home where he served in different roles including deacon, assistant Sabbath School teacher, Men's Ministry and choir member, and resident guitar player.
Edwin passed on December 8th, 2025, joining his parents and his siblings who preceded him in passing – Walter Blair, Leah Francis (née Blair), Mildred Blair, Edward Blair, May McKenzie (née Blair), Wilson Blair, Clinton Blair, Thomas Blair, Allen Blair, and Eldine Whiting (née Blair).
Edwin is survived by his wife Greta, his two children Edwin Jr. and Shemika, and his grandchildren Dylan and Payton. Edwin was a wonderful, loving, caring, and God-fearing man. He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.