Lt. Col. William Tassos "Bill" Blue

Lt. Col. William Tassos Blue, known lovingly as Bill and Papa, passed away peacefully on November 14th, surrounded by his family. He lived a long, full life defined by faith, service to his country, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved.
Born in Hawaii, Bill was the son of Lt. Col. Donald Dexter "Don" Blue and Dorothy Blue. As the child of a Marine Corps officer, he moved frequently during his early years before the family finally settled in Huntsville, Alabama in 1962. Bill quickly came to love the community that would become his lifelong home. He attended Huntsville High School, where he proudly played on the HHS Class of 1966 Northern Alabama Championship Football Team, earning All-City honors as a defensive lineman. He later attended Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Building Science. He was always proud to be the only Auburn fan in the entire family.
Bill carried his father's legacy of service by dedicating 28 years to the Marine Corps Reserves, embodying the strength, discipline, and loyalty that defined the Corps. Professionally, he spent 25 years as a building construction engineer for Boeing where he worked at the Marshall Space Flight Center and at one point in his career was a payload specialist for the International Space Station. After retiring from Boeing, he was the project manager at Raytheon in Huntsville and oversaw the building of their new plant here on Redstone Arsenal.
He was respected for his integrity, hard work, and problem-solving mind. After his engineering career, Bill followed his passion for home building, working side by side with his brother John and later on his son-in-law, Jason, in their family construction business-an endeavor that brought him deep pride and joy.
Bill was a man of quiet strength, deep compassion, and quick wit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Dorothy Blue, and is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Isabel MacGuire Blue, who lovingly cared for him through every challenge for years with grace and unwavering strength. She was his biggest cheerleader during the toughest times. He also leaves behind two adoring daughters, Sarah Blue Johnson (Jason) and Rebecca "Becky" Blue, and his three beloved granddaughters, Jane Rainer "Janie", Anne Byrom "Annie B"., and Rebecca "Becca" Johnson-his pride and joy-who affectionately called him Papa.
He also leaves behind his siblings, John Blue (Carolyn) of Huntsville, Ernie Blue of Los Angeles, Donna Blue of Huntsville and Lani Blue Taylor (Bill) of Oakland, California, along with many nieces, nephews, and in-laws who cherished him deeply.
Bill was present for every moment that mattered-every swim meet, softball game, volleyball match, dance recital, church service and family gathering, despite his physical setbacks. His family fondly remembers his love of a good meal, often saying that food was his love language. Though a proud Marine through and through, he had a tender heart when it came to "his girls." If one of his daughters or granddaughters climbed into his lap and asked for something, the answer was always yes.
He was, in every sense, a fighter-meeting each challenge with courage, grace, and humor. His resilience inspired everyone who knew him and his quick wit kept everyone on their toes and laughing.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Rock Steady Boxing/Parkinson's Dynamic, which became a home away from home for Bill and Isabel. The friendships, encouragement, and strength found there meant more than words can express.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The funeral will immediately follow with the Rev. David Kling officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Rock Steady Boxing/Parkinson's Dynamic in Bill's memory, so that others may find the same strength and support that carried him through. Please make checks payable to Parkinson's Dynamics and mail to PO Box 2440, Huntsville, AL 35804. You may also drop off checks at our gym at 2020 Steve Hettinger Dr, Huntsville, AL 35801. Inside the Raymond W. Jones Community Center, look for the PARKINSON'S DYNAMICS door. (https://www.parkinsonsdynamics.org/donate)