Leon Lanier Blair

Leon Blair passed away at his home on Sunday, February 18 at the age of 103 surrounded by his family. He was born in Jennings, FL, and moved to Boston, GA in 1934, graduating from Boston High School in 1939, after which he became a telegraph/radio operator apprentice for the railroad. His life's profession remained with the railroad beginning in 1942 with the Atlantic Coast Railroad (now CSX). As a young man, he served his country by joining the Navy during WWII where he was selected as a radio operator communicating with submarines.
Leon was born to Henry and Lottie F (Alderman) Blair. He married his eternal love Geraldine Bower Blair on September 24, 1944, to whom he remained married for 78 beautiful years.
Leon's commitment was not only to his family but to his beloved brethren of the Freemasons Lodge #369 in Thomasville, Ga. He received his Royal Arch Master Mason degrees 1943 in Live Oak, FL, Barret Lodge #43 after which he transferred his membership to Thomasville Lodge #369. He joined the York Rites Bodies and the Hasan Shrine Temple in Albany, GA, and was a member of Court 159 23Royal Order of Jesters. 1947 transferred from Live Oak to J.M. Rustin Chapter 23Royal Arch Masons, Thomasville. 1990 became an Emeritus member of J.M. Rustin Chapter Royal Arch Masons. 2001 served as High Priest of Chapter 23. 2022 received his 75 award. 1984-2006 He served as Secretary/Treasurer. April 1983 He joined Hugh L. Smith Council #70 Royal and Select Masters. 2008 He became an Emeritus member of Council #7. November 2015 he transferred his council membership to Hunter Council #20 RS&M. May 1975 he received his Templar degrees in Bethlehem Commandery #30 Knights Templar. 1995 served as Eminent Commander. 1981-2006 Served as recorder/Treasurer.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lottie Blair, brothers Wesley and Herman Blair, sister Hazel Davis, his beloved wife Geraldine Blair, and son Denny Blair. He is survived by his baby sister, Betty Cole, son Gary Blair, daughter Anita Boyle (Bob), daughter-in-law Ann Blair, 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 3 nephews and 3 nieces.
Services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 2 pm at the First Methodist Church, Thomasville, with interment immediately following at Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Blair requests contributions to The Shriner's Children's Hospital c/o Hasan Shrine Temple 1822 Palmyra Rd., Albany, GA 31701, or The First Methodist Church of Thomasville PO box 975, Thomasville, GA 31799.