Richard Blair, 85, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, in St. Marys, Georgia.

Richard was born on June 1, 1940, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to William Henry Blair and Evelyn
Blair (Truetle). From an early age, he carried a strong sense of duty and pride, qualities that would
define his life and career.

In 1958, Richard enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning an extraordinary 28-year military
career. He served aboard numerous vessels, including the USS Jallao (SS-368), USS Stamp (SSN-588),
USS Theodore Roosevelt (SSBN-600), USS Sperry (AS-12), and USS Simon Lake (AS-33). He also served
as Quality Assurance Officer at the Naval Submarine Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His final assignment
was at PMA, where he served as Chief Engineer aboard the USS Simon Lake.

Throughout his distinguished service, Richard earned numerous military honors, including the
National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Pistol Shot Medal, Navy Achievement
Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle Efficiency "E" Award, and additional service and unit
ribbons. He retired honorably from the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander.

Following his military retirement, Richard continued his dedication to service and engineering
excellence. In 1987, he joined Federal Electric Corporation at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay,
Georgia, serving as Thermal Plant Superintendent. He later worked as an engineer with Electric Boat
Corporation, where he remained until his second retirement.

In retirement, Richard embraced life with curiosity and joy. He discovered a passion for
woodworking, crafting pieces with patience and pride. Never one to stop learning, he also took flying
lessons, earned his pilot's license, and fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing his own airplane.

Richard was a proud and longtime member of the Masonic Lodge, where he valued the principles
of brotherhood, charity, and service.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Georgia Blair; his daughter, Jody
Blair; and his brother, Wylie Blair.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelly Blair; his grandchildren, Cory Brown, Bryant Brown, and
Bailey Johnsen; and many loved family members, including Brian Blair, Karen Kaczmarek (Edward),
Bethany Parker (Gordon), William Blair II, Daniel Blair, Bryce Blair (Gina), and Elizabeth Blair.
Richard's legacy lives on through them, in stories shared, lessons taught, and love given.

Services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Allison Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
Family viewing will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by military honors and services. Richard will be laid
to rest at Jacksonville National Memorial Cemetery alongside his wife, Georgia. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made to Patriot Service Dogs, an organization close to Richard's heart.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.