Richard (Dick) E. Blair, 91, of Valrico, Florida, passed away on November 1, 2021. He was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on April 22, 1930

Dick served in the U.S. Navy from June, 1948 until his honorable discharge in 1952.  His most significant assignment was aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) during the Korean War.  Throughout Dick's military tenure, he was awarded several medals and commendations including the UN Nations Service Medal (Korea) and two Captain's Commendation medals.

He never met a stranger, making friends with everyone he encountered.  He was an intelligent, modest, charming, and personable man.  He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke with people to see their reaction. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing and gardening.  Dick was a proud engineer engaged in key projects for several large engineering firms throughout his successful career.  His focus was design engineering and military equipment.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Willa Geneveve Deem and Kenneth Pearl Blair; and his son, Michael Dean Blair and daughter-in-law Leslie Sirmans. He is survived by his daughters, Patti Jo Blair of Richardson, Texas, Jennifer Blair Granberry of Parkland, Florida and a host of other loving family members and friends.

Dick will be laid to rest with military honors at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park in Riverview, Florida on March 4, 2022.