Roll Call Tribute

Albert Roy "Al" Blair, Lt.Col. USAF (Ret) 

July 29, 1930 - April 25, 2024 

Albert Roy Blair, Sr. (Papa) age 93, of Gainesville, FL passed away peacefully the morning of April 25th 2024. He was born in Galveston, Texas on July 29, 1930. Albert grew up during the Depression as the son of a carpenter/contractor. He spent most of his time living in Coastal Southeast Texas.

He attended Texas A&M University where he studied Horticulture. Albert also had a strong desire to become a pilot. While at Texas A&M, he joined the ROTC program and earned a commission as a 2nd LT in the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he was selected for flight training during the Korean War and earned his wings as a fighter pilot. He served over 20 years as a pilot, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1973 to a ranch in Oklahoma.

Albert was married 45 years to La Dana (Duty) Blair, preceded in death. Together they had two sons, Albert Jr. and John. As a farmer/rancher, he helped raise his boys while registering one of the first Pasture raised Pure Breed Angus Herds in the state. He also started a poultry operation raising over 3 million eggs and 10,000 fryer chickens per year.

Albert met Carol Clifton on an arranged date in 2012, realized quickly that they wanted to spend their lives together, and married 6 months later. They cared deeply for each other and spent their time hosting dinner parties with close friends, traveling and collecting art. Carol commented quite frequently what a wonderful man Albert was and all who knew him would definitely agree. Though Albert was a man of few words, his wit and kindness always shone through with quick, dry humor and sweet gestures like baking pies or being of service around the house.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Iva Blair, and brothers William Jr and Carl Blair. Albert is survived by his loving sister Ruby Marken, brother Davey, sons, Albert (Cheryl, wife) and John (Carolyn, wife), grandchildren Andrew, Amelia, Rachel and Ethan Blair.