Hugh Blair
Hugh Curtis Blair IV, known as Curt to many, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 after an extended battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy Hodges Blair; mother, Norma Stonecipher Blair; sisters, Brooke Blair, Tina Farrar and Mary Lee and their families; son, Curtis Blair and daughter-in-law, Leslie Blair and their precious children and treasured grandchildren, Hollyn Christin Blair, Hudson Curtis Blair and soon to be arriving, Harrison Cooper Blair; daughter, Heather Blair; an aunt, uncle, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and other extended family.
Curt has been an active member in his community through the years in many ways. He grew up in Tennessee and was an Eagle Scout; went on to MTSU and became a chemical engineer. He worked in waste water treatment for several years. In 1978, Curt and family moved into Lakesite, where he lived until his death. He worked for TVA for 30 years, retiring in 2008.
While working at TVA, he participated in the works of the “Spirit Group”, an employee service group who worked to help organizations and individuals in need of assistance. He was concurrently serving as a volunteer building inspector for the city of Lakesite for 25 years. He has been very involved in both the subdivision and city of Lakesite in many other ways from serving on the pool board to firing the fireworks for the annual 4th of July celebration for many years.
Curt was an integral part of his children’s lives, especially in soccer. He traveled to tournaments, coached both indoor and outdoor soccer, helped put on several indoor soccer tournaments and served as a referee for recreational and middle/high school play. He spent countless weekends traveling with his kids, thoroughly enjoying the sport and the relationships that developed from his involvement.
Faith was extremely important to Curt. He relied strongly on God, his faith and the prayers and support of so many during his five-year battle with adnocarcinoma of the stomach. He grew up in the Methodist church, participating in youth choral activities. He and Nancy have been long time members of Burk’s United Methodist Church in Hixson. He also found much comfort and enjoyment following Rev. Brian Davis and the Vine Services Ministry of First Centenary United Methodist Church even by video after he was too ill to attend in person. Another well- loved part of his spiritual life and service was his participation in the Chattanooga/LaFayette Emmaus Community. He made his walk in Cleveland, and then has been actively involved in the Chattanooga/LaFayette Community. On retreat weekends, he could be often found in the kitchen at Camp Lookout at 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. starting breakfast preparations. He earned quite a reputation as a biscuit and gravy maker and the man behind the scenes. He continued his participation until just recently, only stopping when his physical body limited his activities.
Curt was blessed to have many wonderful people in his life, but found special comfort in the prayers and messages that came on his caring bridge site.
He was a strong, determined, committed and service-minded man. All that took him far in his extended fight with cancer, continuing to fight when others might have already given up, even wanting his illness and treatment to be a benefit for research and fellow cancer fighters. This incredible man will be greatly missed by many, but there is comfort in knowing he was confident of his heavenly life and in many ways he will live through others, especially those grandchildren who lit his eyes.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers and in line with honoring Curt’s works to help others, that donations be made to the Chattanooga/LaFayette Emmaus; P.O. Box 21024, Chattanooga, Tn. 37424.
The family will receive friends on Friday, May 23, from 4-8 p.m. with a service following at 8 p.m. at Burk’s United Methodist Church with Reverend Brian Davis officiating.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m. at the Lakesite City Park.
Condolences and memories can be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.