Frank Blair Jr.

Frank Blair Jr., 83 of North Little Rock passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at Baptist Health Medical Center of North Little Rock. He was born November 24, 1928 in Aberdeen, Mississippi to William Frank and Laura Blair. "Frank," "Dad," "Paw Paw," "Mr. Blair," "Brother Blair" - these were all names to which he answered during his life. To Ailene, his wife of 57 years, he was Frank, a devoted companion, truly for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part. To his children, he was Dad, there whenever needed to provide love, support and guidance. To his grandchildren, he was Paw Paw, always happy to see them, ready with a smile or a game and never losing his joy at having them visit. To countless students and teachers, he was Mr. Blair, elementary school principal. Over a 30-year career he established a reputation as being firm but fair, dependable and ready to listen and offer sound advice when asked. He was a teacher, not just of math, science or history, but of life. To his brothers and sisters in Christ, he was Brother Blair, a faithful and humble servant. He was a lifelong member of the Primitive Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and later as an ordained minister and pastor. At the time of his death he still preached regularly, serving churches in Conway and Marvell. To all of us that remain, he leaves behind a legacy of a good name, a legacy of love for his family, humble service to his God and commitment to his profession and community. He will be sorely missed, but as he would tell us with great conviction, he leaves to go home to be with his Savior. We are reminded of what is written in the book of Ecclesiastes, "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth." He is survived by three children and their families, Keith Blair of North Little Rock; Craig Blair, his wife Rita and their two sons, Braden and Paul of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Jennifer Thornton, her husband Joe and their son Andrew and daughter Sydnie of Bartlett, Tennessee; one sister, Nadine Cochran of Steens, Mississippi and six brothers: Clyde Blair of West Point, Mississippi; David Blair of Kosciusko, Mississippi; Joe Blair of Louisville, Kentucky; Leroy Blair of Guin, Alabama; Loyd Blair of Powder Springs, Georgia and Wayne Blair of Hamilton, Mississippi. Memorial services will be held at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park of North Little Rock with visitation from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, August 31 and funeral services at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 1, Elder Charles Holmes presiding.