The Funeral Services will be live-streamed and Can be viewed by clicking here David John Blair

David John Blair, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at home on October 14, 2024, with his family by his side. David was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 24, 1934, to Theodore and Dorothy (Oberkiser) Blair.

He was raised in Toledo and graduated from Waite High School in 1952. He went on to study at The University of Michigan, where he completed a double major in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. He also completed an MBA at SUNY Buffalo in 1972, and an MSEE at Michigan in 1973. Education was very important to Dave.

While still an undergraduate, Dave married Lois Kathleen Fugate, on September 15, 1956. After his graduation, the newlyweds moved to Buffalo, NY, where Dave began working for Sylvania Electronics (later called GTE) in February 1957. Dave worked for GTE for 33 years, moving from Buffalo to Boston, and from Boston to the Research Triangle Park area. He and Lois moved to North Carolina in 1983 and enjoyed living in Raleigh for nearly 40 years. After retiring from GTE, Dave stayed busy as a seasonal tax preparer for H & R Block for many years.

Over the years, he and Lois enjoyed many summers and autumns in Michigan and often traveled back-and-forth from Raleigh to Michigan for football games. Throughout his life, he was a die-hard Michigan fan and joined alumni organizations wherever he lived. He was even a founding member of the Michigan Triangle Area Club (M-TAC). He indoctrinated his four children early and, much to the chagrin of Lois (who went to Toledo), they all attended The University of Michigan. He was never happier than when his team was winning, and last year’s National Football Championship capped off a lifelong love of the Wolverines.

He and Lois were active in their faith and attended the Lutheran Church wherever they lived. Dave taught Sunday school, and Lois was involved in the church Altar Guild. In 1983, they became founding members of North Raleigh’s Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where he was a member for over forty years.

Dave was well-known for his quick analytical ability and extremely dry sense of humor. Even in his last days, he was able to joke with his family and share stories about his long and wonderful life. He was a devoted father and husband, and to the end was concerned about the needs and happiness of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, and lifelong friends.

He was brilliant and successful but loved the simple things in life most: the delight of his children on Christmas mornings, the 1949 Yankees’ winning season, Peanuts’ Snoopy, Pepsi Cola, the Michigan Wolverines, Hershey’s chocolate, “cop” shows, ice cream cones, and anything his grandchildren and great-grandchildren did or said.

He was a man of few words, yet often shared mottos and sayings such as “everything in moderation”, “use a little elbow grease”, and “if you can’t be a good sport, at least wear a good sport coat”, among many others.

He was extreme in his integrity. He was a man of faith. He led by example. He quietly contributed to charities and causes he believed in. As an Eagle Scout, he often said that the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law* guided him throughout his adult life. Those who knew Dave can attest that he truly lived by these values.

He is survived by his four children: Mark (Cyndi), Nancy Moses (John), Carol, and Janet; his four grandchildren: Steven, Emily, Catherine, and Daniel; and three great-grandchildren: Ben, Raylan, and Bridget. He is also remembered by his brother-in-law, Ed Fugate, along with his nieces, nephew, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Robert Blair, his wife of nearly 66 years, Lois, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Dave to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7000 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 or by visiting: gslchurch.org/give.

*Scout Oath and Scout Law:

Scout Oath:
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
Mentally awake, and morally straight.

Scout Law:
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.