Cyrus E. Blair

Cyrus E. Blair/ WINTERVILLE - Mr. Cyrus Eugene "Gene" Blair died Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008. Gene was born in Buell, Ore. on Jan. 13, 1932, one of seven children of Dan and Floy Blair. He is survived by three sisters, Viola Boyer, Yvonne Maciel, and June Burkhart. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Margie Yoder and Bernice Ehrlich; and his brother, Robert Blair. Gene and Delores "Diane" Horn were married in 1958. Their four children, Grant Blair, Alice Smith, Paul Blair, and Thomas "Tom" Blair survive, although their marriage ended in divorce. Gene had 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. One grandson preceded him in death. Gene earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Oregon College of Education, a master's degree in special education from the University of Oregon, and a doctorate degree in education from the University of Oregon. Dr. Blair held various teaching and educational leadership positions throughout his life, including 12 years at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill. He led the reading program for Fulton School District in Fulton, Ill. for several years before retiring in North Carolina. Dr. Blair was active in the Illinois, National and International Reading Associations and held leadership positions in the Illinois and National Reading Associations. In addition to his passion for reading and encouraging others to read, Gene was an avid gardener, who was known wherever he lived for having one of the most beautiful yards in town. He was an active leader at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. A celebration service in memory of Gene will be held at noon Monday at the church. Gifts in memory of Gene can be made to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 107 Louis St., Greenville, NC 27858.