Richard Blair

Richard Swan Blair, age 70 departed his life here on earth January 10, 2024 at a local Chattanooga health care facility.

He was born in Bradley County, Tn and was one of eight children. He attended College Hill and Cleveland High School and was a cub scout and spent a lot of time at the Cleveland Boy’s Club growing up. Richard loved to play cards, going fishing and to the Senior Center and participating in the activities there. He loved going to football games. His favorite teams were the New England Patriots and Alabama (‘Roll Tide’). He had such a sweet spirit, a very kindhearted person, he wasn’t one to complain. He was easy to please when it came to things. While in the hospital or at the nursing home the nurses always talked about how sweet he was, and that he never complained until he got stuck too many times. Richard had so many nicknames, amongst his friends, ‘Papa Swan’, ‘Richard Swan’, ‘Saint’. Richard helped care for his great nephew Boston up until he started school. He was ‘Papaw Richard’ to Boston. They had such a special bond. Richard departed his life exactly 54 years to the date his mother died on January 10, 1970.

He is preceded in death by his wife Felicia Blair, his parents, Gaine & Eloise Blair, stepmother Eula Dean Porter Blair, brother, Floyd Winston Blair, Vastin M. Blair, grandparents, Clifford and Marie Gaines, Floyd and Frances Blair, nephews Joshua A. Blair, Corey Blair, and his lifelong friend Gail George.

Left to cherish his memories are stepdaughter Takeshia Hickey, grandson Michael Dugais, two brothers, Stanley W. Blair of Nashville, and Edward (Vickie) Blair of Cleveland, TN., and three sisters, Sandra E. Blair, Pandora E. Westfield, and Una Octavia Blair all of Cleveland, TN. Aunts, Magnolia Blair of Madisonville, TN., and Lillian Gaines of Cleveland, TN. Nephews, Theron Blair, Michael(Cindy) Kirkpatrick, Corey Moore, Anthony Dyshaun (Brittney) Ware, and Swan Parker all of Cleveland, TN, and Kerry ( Angela) Blair of Elizabethton, TN. Nieces, Lesia McCruter, Carolyn(Ronald) French, Carla Blair all of Nashville, TN, Cicely Smith of Atlanta, Ga., and Natosha Blair, DeAnna Brooks, Carma Blair all of Cleveland, TN. A very special great nephew Boston Ware. Sixteen great nieces, and nephews, seven great-great nieces and nephews. His long time friend and cousin James Queener of over 60 years. Special friend Tammy Prince and her son Dakota Prince, many cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be  held Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Shiloh Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with pastor Rev. J.D. Bruce officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church from1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery