Billy B. “Bill’ Blair, age 92 of Bostic died Thursday, December 19, 2024.  For 35 years, Bill was a resident of McCall Drive, Forest City.

A native of Rutherford County, he was the son of the late Boyce and Eunice Hollifield Blair who had lived in Bostic, Charleston, South Carolina and Forest City.

Bill was a partner with the late Ron Paris, who together published The Daily Courier for over 25 years.  The two were co-owners of the Courier and The Rutherford County News.  They sold both papers in 1998.  Bill served as Secretary/Treasurer and Business Manager for the company. He was also a partner in B&R properties and Realco.  Bill always credited Ron with much of the success of the newspaper as well as the many great employees they had during their ownership.

A member of the First Baptist Church of Forest City, and the Ruppe Sunday School Class, Bill served three terms on the Finance Committee and once as its chairman, two terms on the Together We Build program and as an usher and volunteer at the Welcome Table.  Statewide, he served on the Endowment Management Board and served one term on the Board of Directors of the Biblical Recorder when it was a printed edition.

Bill was a 1950 graduate of Cool Springs High School and the Class of 1953 at Gardner-Webb University.  He was an avid supporter of the college and served on the Broyhill Committee and until recently, was a member of both the University and Bulldog Clubs.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War but was shipped to the Panama Canal for 18 months. He was both a member of the American Legion Post 74 and the NC American Legion.  

Bill was involved in many charitable and civic matters over the years including his service with Hospice of Rutherford County serving four terms on the board of directors, once as its chairman. He was an original director of the Rutherford County Concert Association serving three terms on their board, board member of the American Red Cross, The Christmas Cheer Center, and one term on the Rutherford County Planning Board.  He served on the Cool Springs All Class reunion committee, the Bostic Lincoln Center, as well as many others.  With his love for antique cars, he was a member of the Antique Auto Club, Little Detroit Chapter and former member of the Tarheel Thunderbird Club.    

Bill had a love and passion for the game of golf that he began playing after his military service.  He was a member of the Forest City Golf Club, past member of the Rutherfordton Golf Club and River Bend.  He won the City Championship, Rutherfordton Golf Club Championship and five times won the Forest City Seniors Title, and one Super Seniors Title.  He was a member of the Tarheel Golf Association where he won several tournaments and served on their board as tournament chairman.  He had 14 holes in one and was once runner up in the N.C. Amateur Tournament. Bill made many golfing friends both locally and statewide as he had the privilege of playing in Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Mexico, and Pebble Beach, California.

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Peggy Robbins Blair of the home, his daughter, Bonnie Blair Flowe and husband Doug of Bostic, his grandson, Tyler Flowe and wife Brittnee, and great-granddaughter, Blair of Mooresville, NC, his granddaughter, Keri Flowe Belue and husband Kyle and great-grandsons, Jeb and Jace all of Inman, South Carolina, as well as many cousins and friends that he truly loved.

The funeral service will be held at 3 o’clock on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the First Baptist Church of Forest City with the Reverend Dr. Garin Hill and Rev. Dr. Barry K. Keys officiating.  Visitation will be held in the Sanctuary from 1:30 until 2:45 prior to the service.  Interment will be private for the immediate family with military honors on Monday at Bostic Baptist Cemetery.

Memorials in his memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, 211 West Main Street, Forest City, North Carolina 28043 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

The family will be at the home of Bonnie and Doug Flowe.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com