John Blair

John Calvin Blair, 89, son of John Frederick Blair and Ora Kelly Blair, born September 15, 1935, and peacefully ascended August 29, 2025.

John graduated from Lawrence County High School and University of North Alabama where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army after a distinguished military career. His service took him many places, including Korea, West Point (NY), Brussels (Belgium), Vietnam, and finished his career in Vicksburg, MS.

After his retirement, he and Beth attended Rhema Bible Training Center for two years. Together they planted a church in Linden, AL, faithfully serving there for 13 years. Afterward, they returned home to Lawrenceburg TN. During that time, he taught Bible school in Bowdon, GA at Community Church. Later, he pastored three small Tennessee Presbyterian churches in Elora, Flintville and Fiducia.

John is survived by his wife, Beth Caperton Blair, and by his children: John Steven Blair (Renee) and Laura Lynn Blair Bargatze (Nate); and stepchildren: Laura Rayfield Hubbard (Mark), Libby Rayfield Robbins (Joey), John Marshall Rayfield (Leslie), Jenny Dalton Rayfield Shults (Brent) and one son is predeceased in death, James Scott Rayfield. These two families blended with great love for each other. John leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Katelyn, Kara, Kyle, Anna Beth, Elizabeth, Dalton, James, Nate, Caroline, Harper and Ashton, as well as nine great-grandchildren: Liam, Mason, William, John, Riley, Henry, Olivia, Dutton and the new family namesake, Blair. He is also survived by his sisters Amanda Blair Shaw and Loulie Blair Brown.

John was dearly loved by all who knew him - a devoted teacher of the Bible, a servant of God and to many people. His sense of humor was unmatched with a quick wit that brought joy to many. He will be deeply missed by family and friends, but they will hold him in their hearts.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on October 16th at 5:00 PM with food and fellowship to follow at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center in Lawrenceburg, TN.