Robert "Bob" Joseph Blair

Robert "Bob" Joseph Blair, age 89, of Thomasville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, surrounded by his family at home. While his family grieves his loss, they find profound peace in knowing that Bob is finally reunited with his beloved wife, Edna McNeil Blair, who preceded him in death on June 18, 2023.

Born on May 22, 1936, to the late Odell Blair and Faye Harrelson Blair, Bob was a proud lifelong resident of Thomasville and a graduate of the Thomasville High School Class of 1954. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1958 through 1964. His work ethic and discipline carried into his professional life, where he spent decades in grocery retail management, retiring from Food Lion, Inc. after 25 years of service.

Bob was a man of gentle spirit and a compassionate heart, known as much for his selfless dedication to family as he was for being a legendary joker. He took great joy in making people laugh and never missed an opportunity to share a prank. Following his retirement, Bob found his greatest joy in tending to his garden and devotedly caring for his grandchildren and wife.

His heart for service extended deep into the community. A faithful member of Rich Fork Baptist Church, Bob volunteered in the food pantry for 10 years. Having survived his own battle with cancer, he also served as a GPS Volunteer at the High Point Cancer Center, offering hope and guidance to others facing their own journeys.

Bob is survived by his son, Coy Blair (Monica) of Thomasville, NC; and his daughter, Gail Blair Williams (Mark) of Summerfield, NC. He was the proud grandfather of Steven Blair (Julee) of Lexington, NC; Josh Blair (Emma) of Chapel Hill, NC; Megan Williams Corona (Chris) of Summerfield, NC; Seth Williams of Summerfield, NC; and Clay Williams of Summerfield, NC. He also leaves behind one cherished great-grandchild, Sierra Corona.

He is also survived by his brothers, William "Bill" Blair (Gloria) of Norfolk, VA, and Jerry Blair (Nora) of Washington, NC, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his cherished wife of 60 years, Edna.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at J.C. Green & Sons Funeral Home in Thomasville on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Michael Bowers officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 12:30-1:45 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Bob's memory to the Rich Fork Baptist Church General Fund or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), or Hospice of the Piedmont in High Point, NC.

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