Walter Rayner Blair
Walter Rayner Blair
August 25, 1926 ~ July 5, 2014
Services:
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 10:00 AM in St. Aloysius Catholic Church Leonardtown, MD with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion United Methodist Cemetery Mechanicsville, MD.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD.
Walter Rayner Blair, Jr., 87 of Leonardtown, MD, passed away July 5, 2014, at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. Born August 25, 1926, in River Springs, MD, he was the son of the late Walter Rayner Blair and Mary Gladys Bailey Blair.
Walter graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Leonardtown, MD and enlisted in the United States Navy from which he was honorably discharged in 1946. Once out of the Navy, he began taking watch repair classes. He started his career with a watch repair business in Leonardtown, MD in 1948 at the age of 22. This business evolved into Blair’s Gifts and later a catalog showroom, W.R. Blair, Inc. At its peak, W.R. Blair included 5 catalog showrooms spanning from Annapolis, MD to Fredericksburg, VA and was in operation for 22 years. His company motto was “Treat the Customer Royally.” Walter retired in 1991 after a 42-year career.
Walter was married July 30, 1950 to Marion Elizabeth Graves at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD. They spent nearly 50 years together before she passed away July 28, 1999. Together they raised four children and had eleven grandchildren to whom he was known as “Pop Pop.”
Walter devoted his life to his community, serving as a director of the First National Bank of St. Mary’s and was a past President of the Leonardtown Lions Club. He is remembered for his strong Catholic faith and belonged to St. Francis Xavier Church in Compton, MD. Walter enjoyed his boat the “Fascination,” travelling with his family and friends and companion Gladys Guy, as well as spending time with his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, “Jewel.” Walter is remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather, friend and businessman; he will be deeply missed for his kindness, loyalty, generosity and wit; a true gentleman who loved life and was always up for an adventure.
Walter is survived by his daughter Bonnie Blair O’Connell and her husband John, daughter Libby Blair, son Walter Rayner Blair, III, daughter Laura Blair Sullivan and her husband Michael; and eleven grandchildren: John O’Connell, III, Blair O’Connell, Brooke O’Connell, Elizabeth Miles, Allison Wright, Stephen Wright, Scott Wright, Alexandra Blair, W. Rayner Blair, IV, Lauren Sullivan, Shannon Sullivan. He is also survived by brother Joseph M. Blair, Jr. and sister Patricia B. Bailey. Along with his parents and wife, he is also predeceased by sister Catherine D. Blair and brother J. Matthew Blair.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 10:00 AM in St. Aloysius Catholic Church Leonardtown, MD with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion United Methodist Cemetery Mechanicsville, MD. Pallbearers will be: John T. O’Connell, Jr., Michael J. Sullivan, John T. O’Connell, III., Blair C. O’Connell, Stephen A. Wright, and W. Rayner Blair, IV. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Keith Allston, T. W. Bell, Bill Bailey, John Wetherald, Joe Stone, Bobby Mattingly, Randy Rollins, Robert Moeller, Kenny Graves, and Ricky Blair. Contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Manor House Restoration Fund 21370 Newtowne Neck Road Leonardtown, MD 20650.
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August 25, 1926 ~ July 5, 2014
Walter Rayner Blair, Jr., 87 of Leonardtown, MD, passed away July 5, 2014, at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. Born August 25, 1926, in River Springs, MD, he was the son of the late Walter Rayner Blair and Mary Gladys Bailey Blair.
Walter graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Leonardtown, MD and enlisted in the United States Navy from which he was honorably discharged in 1946. Once out of the Navy, he began taking watch repair classes. He started his career with a watch repair business in Leonardtown, MD in 1948 at the age of 22. This business evolved into Blair’s Gifts and later a catalog showroom, W.R. Blair, Inc. At its peak, W.R. Blair included 5 catalog showrooms spanning from Annapolis, MD to Fredericksburg, VA and was in operation for 22 years. His company motto was “Treat the Customer Royally.” Walter retired in 1991 after a 42-year career.
Walter was married ¬¬¬July 30, 1950 to Marion Elizabeth Graves at Holy Angels Church in Avenue, MD. They spent nearly 50 years together before she passed away July 28, 1999. Together they raised four children and had eleven grandchildren to whom he was known as “Pop Pop.”
Walter devoted his life to his community, serving as a director of the First National Bank of St. Mary’s and was a past President of the Leonardtown Lions Club. He is remembered for his strong Catholic faith and belonged to St. Francis Xavier Church in Compton, MD. Walter enjoyed his boat the “Fascination,” travelling with his family and friends and companion Gladys Guy, as well as spending time with his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, “Jewel.” Walter is remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather, friend and businessman; he will be deeply missed for his kindness, loyalty, generosity and wit; a true gentleman who loved life and was always up for an adventure.
Walter is survived by his daughter Bonnie Blair O’Connell and her husband John, daughter Libby Blair, son Walter Rayner Blair, III, daughter Laura Blair Sullivan and her husband Michael; and eleven grandchildren: John O’Connell, III, Blair O’Connell, Brooke O’Connell, Elizabeth Miles, Allison Wright, Stephen Wright, Scott Wright, Alexandra Blair, W. Rayner Blair, IV, Lauren Sullivan, Shannon Sullivan. He is also survived by brother Joseph M. Blair, Jr. and sister Patricia B. Bailey. Along with his parents and wife, he is also predeceased by sister Catherine D. Blair and brother J. Matthew Blair.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 10:00 AM in St. Aloysius Catholic Church Leonardtown, MD with Cardinal Theodore McCarrick officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion United Methodist Cemetery Mechanicsville, MD. Pallbearers will be: John T. O’Connell, Jr., Michael J. Sullivan, John T. O’Connell, III., Blair C. O’Connell, Stephen A. Wright, and W. Rayner Blair, IV. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Keith Allston, T. W. Bell, Bill Bailey, John Wetherald, Joe Stone, Bobby Mattingly, Randy Rollins, Robert Moeller, Kenny Graves, and Ricky Blair. Contributions may be made to St. Francis Xavier Manor House Restoration Fund 21370 Newtowne Neck Road Leonardtown, MD 20650.
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“Walter “Froggy” Blair = what a great man he was. It was a honor to have know Froggy Blair. “
“Walter will be missed by all his friends at Quade’s Store, where we enjoyed his company often. Condolences to all his loved ones.”
“Rayner,and ALL Family Members:”Death leaves a Heartache no one can heal…Love leaves a Memory no one can steal…R.I.P. LOL Ann”
“To the Blair Family: We are so sorry for your loss.He was a very good and respected man. He will be in my thoughts and prayers. Gladys,remember all the good times and companionship the two of you shared. He will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take Care.”
“Please accept my sympathies on your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.”
“It is always so hard to loose a parent, but you all will always have your memories. My thoughts and prayers are with each member of your family.”
“I was so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a wonderful man and my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.”
“SO, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MR BLAIR PASSING AWAY. HE WAS A GOOD MAN. I WORKED FOR HIM 30 SOME YRS AGO. HE AND MRS BLAIR WERE VERY GOOD TO ME.HE WILL BE MISSED. LOVE AND HUGS TO THE BLAIR FAMILY.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!”
“”Rayner,and ALL Family MembersSo sorry to here of Walters passiing, he was such a wonderful kind man.”
“I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Blair’s passing. He was a fine gentlemen. He will be sorely missed.”
“We have lost another great architect of modern St. Mary’s County. What a great man! He will be sorely missed. Rayner, Bonnie and all are in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Rayner, Bonnie, Libby and Laura and Family: What great memories I have of Froggie and Marian; working in the Town and Casual Shop at Xmas, just messing around with your Dad and having so many laughs and wonderful times. Another great individual has passed and I know he is in Heaven with all the greatest friends in Leonardtown where I was fortunate to grow up and admire. God Bless all of you and God Bless Froggie Blair!!! Love you all! Pat”
“So sorry for the loss of Mr. Blair. My thanks to him for allowing my Uncle Bobby and myself to use his pier as our favorite fishing and crabbing spot. I will always have fond memories of the conversations and fun times spent at the pier. I will miss him. Rest in peace Mr. Blair. Kevin “
“To the Blair family, I was saddened to hear the loss of your father, he was a good man. Please cherish your memories and know he will be looking over you all, and smiling of how proud he is of all of you. Prayers to you all.”
“Mr. Blair will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a great man which is so evident by the wonderful family he leaves behind. Hugs to all the children, in-laws, grandchildren, Gladys and siblings.”
“Anyone who ever went to Blair’s Jewelry store knew what a wonderful man this was. He left his mark on St. Mary’s County no doubt.”
“Rayner,Libby, Bonnie and Laura, So sorry to here of Walters passiing, he was such a wonderful kind man with a heart of Gold, A trait he passed on to his children. I have such respect for him. May God keep you close during this very sad time a I pray for him.Just think how the Heaven’s will be now that he and Mariam are back together. Much Love To All. David and Cyndi Wood”
“Rayner, Bonnie, Libby and Laura, Our family has fond memories of your Dad. The Albaugh Family “
“To all the Blair family and to Gladys I send you my love and condolences. Walter will leave a huge hole in your and a whole community’s heart. Allow all the wonderful and innumerable memories to try to fill that hole and then allow all your wonderful friends and family help fill that hole. Your heart will both ache with sorrow and smile with pride and joy. I am always here if you need me . I continue to send my love and prayers. “
“Mr. Blair was a wonderful man and always made you feel like a friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will always be with you in your heart. All his children made him very proud and he would want you all to be happy and live the way he has enjoyed watching you grow into your own. Let him and Mom smile over you every day. God Bless!”
“A very good friend will be missed.”
“Libby and Family, my life was made richer by getting to know you and your dad these last few months at the hospital. Such a kind and sweet man.”
“Our sincere condolences to the Blair family. Our prayers are with you all. Mr. Blair was a kind and wonderful person and will be remembered fondly.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. He is in a better place. God bless you all.”
“How saddened I was to hear of Walter’s death. He was a perfect example of what it takes to become a successful business man , lots of hard work and a caring and helping family. He and Marion certainly complimented each other as they worked in so many phases to attain the goals set for themselves. He was an asset to his church, county and community. His service was not limited to his business but to so many who called on him for assistance. His children are products of caring parents and a happy home. I am sure he was welcomed home in the same royal manner in which he lived and treated his brothers in faith.”
“Bonnie, Libby, Rayner, & Laura, –your Dad was a wonderful man and always full of life and joy. One of my childhood treats was getting jewelry from Blair’s! My prayers for all of you”
“My thoughts and prayers for the entire Blair family. Your family will live on his name and lead a wonderful legacy.”
“Bonnie, Libby, Rayner, Laura and Family – I was very sad to hear that you lost your dad. This picture is so like him and it brings back so many memories . . . working in the stores, hanging out on the boat, fun & games with Chester. Seems like only yesterday. I know he’ll be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. “
“Bonnie,Libby,Rayner, and Laura ,Ican’t express how sorry i am for your loss,your dad was a wonderful,kind person, hold on to the memories”
“Rayner, Bonnie, Laura, Libby & Families, the loss of a father is so very tough, as they are our glue that hold the family together. Your parents were so wonderful and treated everyone like family. The community will lose a pillar, and though he is no longer with us, his memories and kind spirit will remain with anyone who came in contact. Our loving thoughts for your family especially now. Hugs to all”
“Rayner & Family….our prayers are with you all in this difficult time. We send our love to each one of you.”
“To Gladys & Walters family: Our deepest sympathy. We will miss our dear friend Walter. We shared many laughs and good times when we were neighbors in Florida. Rest in peace Walter.”
“I am so very sorry to hear of Walter’s passing. He was a fine gentlemen and friend and he will surley be missed. Love to the family.”
“Blair and family- sorry for your loss. May His Soul Rest In Peace. Amen. “
“Please accept our sympathies on your loss. May the wonderful memories help ease the pain during these difficult days ahead. “
“Laura and all the Blair family our deepest sympathy with the passing of Walter.He was a man to call friend and our honor to have known.We are sorry for the void his passing will leave. “
“I never saw Froggie in a down mood he was always upbeat and positive. I have many fond memories of him and I know Rayner, Bonnie, Libby and Laura do also. My deepest sympathy to all of you.”
“Rayner, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad was one of my first employers many years ago. I remember him as a kind man. Peace and prayers to your family.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Uncle Walter was the true meaning of a gentleman. He will be missed. The legacy he has left behind is the beauty of each of his amazing children. He is certainly smiling down on you with pride. Love to all. “
“Libby, Laura, and family, we are so blessed to have been able to meet such a wonderful, kind, funny, and inspirational man. Our lives were enriched by knowing him in these past few years. Bob Marley once said, “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” By this measure, Walter was indeed a GREAT man!”
“My condolences to the Blair family. Mr Blair always greeted you with a smile and fun conversation. Heaven has another wonderful St Mary’s County man. “
“Dear Bonnie, Libby, Rayner and Laura, My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your father was such a true gentleman-our community has lost another “Pillar”. “
“We are so sad to learn of Walter’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. “
“Bonnie, Libby, Rayner, Laura and Family, So sorry to hear about your dad. It was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. He will always be remembered as a very good man that the world was better for having in it.”
“Libby, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. It is difficult to say goodbye to your parent. May God’s love and the love of family a friends be a great comfort to you during this time of grief.”
“To the Blair Family: As a youngster and through my adult years I observed Mr. Blair along with Mrs. Blair work hard and build their business. No doubt they worked many long hours not only to make a better life for themselves but to provide a better future for their children. At the same time they supported their church and community. After Mrs. Blair’s passing Mr. Blair continued to work and give back. What a wonderful example your parents set for you all and it is reflected in the respectful hard working family they leave behind. Take care.”
“Rayner and family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Rayner and Libby and family we are so sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful man . He will be greatly missed.”
“To the Blair Family: Walter was a TRUE Southern Maryland Gentleman. He ALWAYS had a smile for everyone he met. May God be with you during this difficult time. “
“Libby and family, It has been a pleasure to have had the opportunity to spend time with Mr. Blair and your family. What I will remember most about Mr. Blair was his sense of humor and wit. Throughout his life he has touched so many people. He was truly a kind and generous gentleman and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. God bless you all. “
“Prayers and condolences to the family. May He Rest In Peace.”
“”Rayner and Blair Family” God Bless you at this sad time. “
“Libby and Family: I am sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.”
“I am so sorry for your loss. He did so much for so many. Ted and I will keep him in our prayers.”
“Our deepest sympathy to Allison and all your family. “
“Walter was a good man and a good Lion. We will all miss him. I am sure he has earned his reward in heaven for the life he led here on earth. I am sorry to miss his services but am out of the country. God Bless you all. “
“To all of Walter’s family: We are sad to learn of his passing. He was well respected by so many and was truly a great man. We know he will be missed by many. May God bless him now and may you be comforted too. Be assured of our love, thoughts, and prayers. “
“Our prayers are with you and your family.”
“Our deepest sympathy to the Blair family on the loss of your father. He was a wonderful father and businessman – he will be truly missed.”
“We knew Walter for many years. He was always very friendly & he would go out of his way to speak with you whenever he saw you, even from a distance. Our condolences to the family.”
“Libby, My sincere condolences to you and your Family for the loss of your Dad. I remember how close you were to him. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.”
“Our prayers & thoughts are with the Blair family. We remember many good times with “Froggy” during his early boating days. Say hi to Freddie when you go though the pearly gates.”
“Libby, my condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. My thoughts and Prayers are with you. “
“Rayner and family, I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. My condolences to you and all your family.”
“Deepest sympathy to the family. We will keep him and all of you in our prayers. Just remember how he loved all of you. “
“Sorry to hear of Walter’s passing. Froggy will be greatly missed by all. My prayers go out to the family. God Bless.”
“Bonnie, Libby, Rayner, Laura and family, We send each of you our most sincere sympathy. May your many precious memories of happy times together with your father/grandfather bring you comfort. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Froggy was a great man and a great friend but we know he is reunited with his wife and friends and is completely and forever happy. God bless Walter. “
“DEAR BONNIE, RAYNER, LIBBY AND LAURA; I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR FATHER’S DEATH. BUT KNOW THAT HE IS IN A BEAUTIFUL PLACE CALLED HEAVEN AND HE IS NO LONGER IN PAIN OR SICK. KNOW THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL MEET HIM AGAIN AND THERE WILL BE A GLAD REUNION WITH HIM AND ALL YOUR OTHER LOVED ONES. GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE. SINCERELY, EVELYN”
“Rayner & The Entire Blair Family: My heart is truly saddened by Walter’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Walter was a wonderful and kind man; a TRUE GENTLEMAN. I’m known Walter since I was a small child, when our parents business’ were next store to each other. He was always some sweet to me and gave me that wonderful smile, which made the world a better place. What a great legacy of love your wonderful parents passed on to each of you. My prayer for all of you is that, May God’s grace console you. May your wonderful memories comfort you. May knowing what a joy you were to your father/grandfather, bring you peace. May the love of your family and friends, bring you strength. And may Walter rest in the arms of angels, with her beloved Marion. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. With loving memories, Bobbi Magee “
“To Rayner and family our deepest condolences. Our love and prayers are with you all.”
“I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. I didn’t know about the last family reunion so I never got to see him while he was still with us. Bless his sweet heart. “
“Sorry I was not here to join you all in celebrating Walter’s life.He was a true friend to me& called me BK. I was in fact with my son BK at a Cancer Treatment Center in Illinois along with his wife, Ida. At Sunday mass out there the usher was well dressed and favored in his face very much like the picture used in the obituary. I mentioned this to Ida and she agreed. I remember the red convertable he had when he came home from the Navy and enjoyed his friendship many times. He invited me to give blood along with him when I joined the lions in 1959. He & Web were telling me they were going to Annapoolis the next day on the boat & I said, Ann & I were going to stay at the Hilton Hotel on the water. Web invited us to join them for happy hour. When I looked out of our window, Walter was cleaning the boat just below. He was Web,s captain & we did join them. We would generally meet at the bar & sit at the same table at lions meetings. We talked about business and banking which we were not to do as lions but he! I knew Marion in Margaret Brent High School. He did have a great life and a wonderful supporting family. You have many good memories to help you in the future. We all will miss him! “
“Rayner and Family! We are so sorry for your loss…St. Mary’s County has once again lost one of the countys BEST! Thoughts and Prayers to all of you at this time. May God speed comfort and healing to all of you!”
“Our Prayers To the Blair family.”
“I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest condolences to Blair, Brooke, John, and all the Blair family. “