Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Robert Lee Blair, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, affectionately known as “Bobby”, transitioned from this life to eternity on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV.

Robert, son of the late Johnny Blair Sr. and Mabel Blair, was born May 3, 1948, in Norton, VA. As one of seven children born into this union.

Robert was a graduate of Southside High School in Norton, VA. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, where he served as a Lance Corporal in the 3rd Battalion of the 26th Marine regiment in Vietnam. On February 17, 2018, Robert received a Purple Heart, along with other distinguished medals, from WV Congressman Evan Jenkins for his service in Vietnam.

Robert met and married the love of his life Elizabeth “Annie” Ann Carnette. Their 48-year union included being blessed with three children.

Robert began his working career at Westmoreland Coal Company in Big Sone Gap, VA as a coal miner and later moved to the Virginia Department of Transportation (Wise, VA) as managing shop mechanic. He completed his career path as a federal coal mine inspector with the Mine, Safety, Health Administration in Clarksburg, and Beckley WV. After 25 years of service with MSHA, Robert retired to enjoy time fishing, hunting, spending time with his grandchildren and taking care of his wife.

Robert gave his heart to God and became a member of Chestnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Norton, VA where he was installed as a Deacon. His continued faith walk included becoming a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Coeburn, VA, Morning Star Baptist Church, Fairmont, WV and St. Paul Baptist Temple, Beckley. He faithfully served as Deacon of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, and St. Paul Baptist Temple. He served as the Church Treasurer at St. Paul Baptist Temple.

Robert was also a member of the Washington Lodge #4 F&AM of Charleston, WV, the NAACP, Fairmont, WV, the Norton Consolidate, Unite, Educate, and Serve (CUES), Norton, VA., and the West Virginia Bass Federation.

Robert, in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Blair; infant daughter, Jenny Blair; grandson, Devante Waites; brother, Johnny Blair, Jr. and sisters, Maryann Gaymon and Grace Livingston.

Robert leaves to mourn his son, Robert “Charlie Brown” Eugene Blair (Myra); daughter, Toyao “Sissy” Lyn Andrews; grandchildren, Jordan McKail Chambers Blair of Dallas, TX, Jade McKaila Chambers Blair of Atlanta, GA, Brian “BJ” Jacob Andrews, Jr. of San Diego, CA, Jaylin Robert Andrews of Baltimore, MD, Alexandria Macmadu of Providence RI, Tori Waner of Beckley, WV, Jalan Cochran of Charlotte, NC and Lindsay Shea Bucchni of Rural Retreat, VA; great-grandchildren, Natalia Chambers-Guevara and Monroe Frantz; brothers, Ankrum Blair of Duffield, VA; sisters, Irene Prinkleton of Lynch, KY, Mable (Sam) Andrews of Buffalo, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family is sincerely grateful to all for the outpouring of love, prayers, comforting expressions and all acts of kindness shown to us. A special thank you to RosAnn Beaty, Melinda Groom, Shadine Zuniga, Jay
and Trina DeJarentte and Renee Riddick.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Paul Baptist Temple
129 Rice St. Beckley with Rev. Walter M. Leach officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.