Rush Funeral Home
David Blair Obituary w/ photo
Dr. David Carlton Blair, International Director of Youth and Discipleship (previously Youth & Christian Education) for the Church of God, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 in a Chattanooga, TN hospital at the age of 56. Born in Dothan, AL on October 1, 1964 to Charles and Jo-Ann Blair, David was raised in South Georgia. A true pastor’s kid, David’s early years were defined by serving with his parents in local church ministry. At a young age, David displayed extraordinary musical ability and took every opportunity to play his bass guitar.
After high school, David went to Lee College (now Lee University) on a music scholarship. He graduated from Lee in 1986, earning a Bachelor of Science in Bible & Christian Education. After completing his undergraduate studies at Lee University, David continued his formal education at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, where he received a Master of Divinity degree, and then obtained a Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min) from Columbia International University in 2003.
After marrying his college sweetheart, Janet Knight Blair, on August 25, 1984, David and Janet formally began their ministry in March 1985, first serving as youth pastors at LaFollette (TN) Church of God. Their next stop on the road of youth ministry took the couple to North Cleveland Church of God in Cleveland, TN where David and Janet served as youth pastors for nine years. During this time, David was part of the early planning of Winterfest. Since then, he has been heavily involved in the growth and success of Winterfest which has become one of the Church of God’s largest and most impactful annual events. In 1993, he became an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God.
Recognizing his giftedness as a leader, Church of God Youth & Christian Education appointed David to serve a dual role as State Director of Youth and Christian and Evangelism Director for the state of Arkansas in 1994. After four years, he left to serve the state of Kentucky in the same capacities from 1998-2000. In 2000, the Blair family transitioned to the Delmarva-DC area where David served as Director of Youth & Christian Education. In late 2004, David and his family moved back to Cleveland where he began a four-year appointment in the Church of God Youth and Christian Education Department, serving as International
Youth Ministries Coordinator. David’s final appointment as a State/Regional Youth Director came in 2008 when he returned to South Georgia for four years prior to his election to the Assistant International Director’s position in 2012. David has been a resident of Cleveland, TN for the past nine years, having been elected to his current position at the Church of God General Assembly in 2016. Tenure limitations would have completed Blair’s service as International Director in 2020, however, postponement of the Church of God General Assembly last summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic extended his leadership until 2022.
David was preceded in death by his mother, Jo-Ann Carlton Blair, who passed away in July 2020. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Janet Knight Blair, of Cleveland, TN; daughter, Brittani Blair, of Dothan, AL; son, Bruce (KaLea) Blair, and grandson, David Charles Blair, all of Cleveland, TN. He is also survived by his father, Rev. Charles Blair, of Adel, GA; sister, Mollie (Brett) Jarriel, of Valdosta, GA; nephew, Aaron (Caitlin) Jarriel and great-niece, Nova Grace of Concord, NC; niece, Blaire Ashley (Hunner) Ragan, of Valdosta, GA; and niece, Chloe Jarriel, of Valdosta, GA.
A Remembrance of Life celebration will take place on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the North Cleveland Church of God, 335 11th St., NE, Cleveland, TN. Friends will be welcomed to the sanctuary to pay tribute prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Social distancing protocols will be followed and masks are required. A private graveside ceremony will follow the service with Allen Shephard, Jonathan Kerley, Phil Pearson, Shea Hughes, Josh Bowyer Sr., Jerry Rewis, Craig Mosgrove and Adam Baird serving as active casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers will be Dale and Louise Duke, Eddie, Shirley and Richie Richeson, Dave and Lynn Bowyer, Randy and Diane Lane, Rick and Steve Hyde, Ray Hopkins, Ed and Teresa Brown, Fred and Cindy Smith, Stephen and Janice Darnell, Mark and Kim Knight, Dana Swain, Danny Sweat, Alan and Kathy Hall, B. J. and Carrie Davis, Andy Hughes, Bill and Lisa Harrison, Art and Angie Rhodes, Hubert and Kathy Seals, Smoky Mountain Winterfest Steering Committee and Crew Members, 1985-Present, Lafollette Church of God Soul Patrol Youth Group, 1985-1987 and the North Cleveland Church of God Power Source Youth Group, 1987-1994.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the “Dr. David Carlton Blair Ministerial Scholarship Fund,” ATTN: Church of God Youth and Discipleship, 2490 Keith Street, Cleveland, TN, 37311.
Burt Funeral Home http://burtfuneralhomes.com/view-obituaries/
Mr. Michael Eugene Brown
Michael Eugene Brown, age 67, of Ravendale, California (formerly of Mentone), passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM from Bankhead Cemetery, with Brother Randy Evans officiating.
Mrs. Janet Dee Grisham Tucker
Janet Dee Grisham Tucker, age 72, of Fort Payne, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Collinsville Funeral Home https://www.facebook.com/Collinsville-Funeral-Home-163453027016947/
Mr. William Ralph Dobbs, Jr.
William Ralph Dobbs, Jr, age 93, of Collinsville, passed away Friday, March 26, 2021, at his son’s residence. Funeral services were held on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at 2:00 PM from the Collinsville Funeral Home – Sharpe Chapel, with Pastor Carol Gullatt officiating. Burial followed in Collinsville Cemetery.
Corner Stone Funeral Home https://www.cornerstonefuneralchapel.com/
Mr. James Gerard “Chip” Holbrook
James Gerard “Chip” Holbrook, age 57, of Ider, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at UAB Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 10:00 AM from the Corner Stone Funeral Chapel, with Brother Keith Stanford officiating. Burial followed in Chattanooga National Cemetery, at 1:00 PM, with military honors provided by American Legion Ider Honors Team. Mr. Holbrook was a veteran of the United States Marines.
Mr. Charles Robert Haynes
Charles Robert Haynes, age 75, of Ider, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021, at his residence. No services have been planned at this time.
Geraldine Funeral Home https://www.geraldinefuneralhome.com/obituaries/
Mr. Clinton Crowley
Clinton Crowley, age 86, of Crossville, passed away Monday, March 22, 2021, at his residence. A graveside service was held on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 3:00 PM from Liberty Cemetery at Painter, with Brother Charles Smith officiating.
Mr. Lemon Gidd McCollum
Lemon Gidd McCollum, age 92, of Boaz, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at his residence. A private service was held for the family, with Brother Lewayne Levans officiating.
Burial followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Willodean Morrison
Willodean Morrison, age 82, of Geraldine, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at Huntsville Hospital. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 3:00 PM from Macedonia #1 Baptist Church with Brother Glenn Bruce officiating. Burial followed in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.
Kerby Funeral Home https://www.kerbyfuneralhome.com/
Mrs. Kelsie Roberts Willbanks
Kelsie Roberts Willbanks, age 93, of Chattanooga, Tennessee (formerly of Pisgah), passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at her residence. A graveside service was held on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 2:00 PM from Friendship Cemetery, with Brother Earnest Corbitt officiating.
Rainsville Funeral Home https://www.rainsvillefuneralhome.com/
Infant Mauricio Juarez
Mauricio Juarez, (infant son of Rigoberto Juarez Lopez and Catarina Mendoza Mendez, brother of Juan Juarez) of Collinsville, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021. A private graveside service was held from Rainsville Memorial Park.
Mrs. Lois Stiefel Bailey
Lois Stiefel Bailey, age 93, of Rainsville, passed away Monday, March 22, 2021. Per her request, no services will be held.
Mr. Gary Adkins
Gary Adkins, age 66, of Cedar Bluff, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mr. Larry E. Blevins
Larry E. Blevins, age 70, of Rainsville, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 2:00 PM from the Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother James Scott and Brother Michael Hughes officiating. Burial followed in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Mr. Sidney Leon Walker
Sidney Leon Walker, age 66, of Geraldine, passed away Sunday, March 28, 2021. No services have been planned at this time. Mr. Walker was a veteran of the United States Air Force.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory https://www.wilsonfhinc.com/
Mr. Eddie Jackie Bailey
Eddie Jackie Bailey, age 86, of Fort Payne, passed away Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at his residence. Funeral services were held on Friday, March 27, 2021, at 2:00 PM from the Wilson Funeral Home, with masonic honors. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery. Mr. Bailey was a veteran of the United States Air Force.
Mrs. Sue Anderson Delucia
Sue Anderson Delucia, age 70, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at her residence. A graveside service was held on Friday, March 26, 2021, at 2:00 PM from Glenwood Cemetery.
Reverend Forrest E. Ethridge
Forrest E. Ethridge, age 97, of Fort Payne, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 10:00 AM from St. Philips Episcopal Church. A graveside service followed at 4:00 PM, from Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia.
Brother Ethridge was born May 13, 1923, to the late Eugene Wright Ethridge and Addie Lee Echols Ethridge. He Ethridge dedicated over 52 years to the ministry in numerous Episcopal churches in Georgia. After his retirement, he continued to serve at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Fort Payne as Priest Associate.
Brother Ethridge is survived by: Daughter – Cheryl Whittle. Grandson – Chris Stehle.
He was preceded in death by: Wife – Evelyn Cruze Ethridge. Parents – Eugene Wright Ethridge and Addie Lee Echols Ethridge. Brother – James Merritt Ethridge. Son in Law – Jerry Whittle.
Mr. Alan Quin Campbell
Alan Quin Campbell, age 54, of Fort Payne, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021, at his residence. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 2:00 PM from the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in Adamsburg Cemetery.
W.T. Wilson Funeral Home https://wtwilsonfuneralchapel.com/
Mr. Luis Zavala
Luis Zavala, age 56, of Albertville, passed away Sunday, March 21, 2021. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at 2:00 PM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Kilpatrick Cemetery.
Mrs. Esperanza Juarez Sanchez
Esperanza Juarez Sanchez, age 84, of Collinsville, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 2:00 PM from Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church in Fort Payne, with Father Rick Chenault officiating. Burial followed in Glenwood Cemetery.
Mr. Delfino Reza-Cruz
Delfino Reza-Cruz, age 38, of Crossville, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021. A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 2:00 PM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Memory Hill Cemetery.
Ms. Vennis Emegene Haygood
Vennis Emegene Haygood, age 61, of Fort Payne, passed away Thursday, March 25, 2021. A memorial will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021, from 5:00 Pm – 7:00 PM at the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel.
Mr. Howard Dewan Gant
Howard Dewan Gant, age 65, of Geraldine, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel, with Brother Steve Snyder and Brother Ray Hanvey officiating. Burial followed in Arab Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Mae Ruth Brown
Mae Ruth Brown, age 87, of Albertville, passed away Sunday, March 28, 2021. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 2:00 PM from W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel, with Brother Paul Baldwin and Brother Harold McClendon officiating. Burial followed in Martling Cemetery.
Mr. Vence Wooden, Jr.
Vence Wooden, Jr., age 86, of Fyffe, passed away Monday, March 29, 2021. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 11:00 AM from the W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Mountain View Memory Gardens.
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