J W "Jady" Blair

J. W. "Jady" Blair, 86, retired from Monsanto Company with 36 and 1/2 years service in the Maintenance Department, died Sunday, August 14, 2011 at his residence on Cheyenne Trail surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols with Greg Elrod officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors at graveside provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Hospice Compassus, 1412 Trotwood Avenue, Columbia 38401. Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com. Born in the Culleoka Community in Maury County, he was the son of the late Loyd Elmer Blair, Sr. and Sallie Elizabeth Dugger Blair and attended schools in the Spring Hill Community. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II from 1943-1945 and was the first man from Maury County wounded in ground action; first, at Hofen, Germany on September 17, 1944 and later at Linz, Germany on February 3, 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart on each occasion. He was a long-time, faithful member of Northview Church of Christ, attending every Sunday morning with a smile, Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19, and Columbia Masonic Lodge #31. After his retirement from Monsanto Company in 1989, he was a self-employed dump truck driver. In his leisure time he enjoyed NASCAR and camping. Survivors include his wife, Sue Waldrum Blair, whom he married March 12, 1982; daughters, Lisa (Rick) Cole of Mt. Pleasant and Angie Glass of Columbia; grandchildren, Don Blair, Stacy Mashburn, Mark Goatz, Chris Crumley, Jada Crumley, Kristina Jolley, and Jessica Glass; twelve great-grandchildren; step-children, Melinda (Mike) Collins of Columbia, Tony Howard of the Sandyhook Community, and Joan Howard of Torrance, California; two step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patsy Goatz; son, Keith Blair; and brother, Loyd E. Blair, Jr. Active pallbearers are Rick Cole, Chris Crumley, Don Blair, Mark Goatz, Kyle Jolley, and Dustin McCandless. Retired employees of Monsanto Company will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family wishes to express special thanks to his long-time, loyal friend, Russell Cothran and the staff of Hospice Compassus for their care and concern during his illness.