Jerry Ronald Blair

Jerry Ronald Blair (Ron), died peacefully at home on Monday, July 1, 2024. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, earning two meritorious promotions while serving in Vietnam. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, he pursued career opportunities in Memphis and Greenville, MS before returning to East TN. In 1977 he founded Blair Construction Company Inc. and today the company continues under the leadership of his son, Jason. He always appreciated his customers, many of whom became lifelong friends, as well as his subcontractors and special suppliers. Ron was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. He married his college sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Gail. He enjoyed and rarely missed countless activities with his sons and grandchildren through the years. Ron was preceded in death by his son, David; parents, E.L. and Jerry Blair, brother, Bobby Blair. He will be forever missed by Gail; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Jamey Blair; former, but forever daughter-in-law, Robyn Blair Tucker; grandchildren, Lucas Blair (Callie), Lee Blair, Katie Blair, and Ashley Blair; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Jerene Sykes; nephew, Dane Adney; special cousins, Brad Deaton (Cathy) and Ann Juge; many other relatives and friends. The family wishes to thank caregivers, Teresa Chastain, Jane Howe and Arin Rose for their devoted, loving and compassionate care of Ron during the past months. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 3:00 at Grandview Pavilion with full military honors followed by receiving of friends. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots or the Blount County Habitat for Humanity.  Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com