Berdis A Blanding Sr.

Berdis Adair Blanding, Sr., a devoted husband and loving father of three, transitioned peacefully on September 9, 2024. Born on October 2, 1939, in Montgomery, Alabama, to John and Catherine (Auls) Blanding, Adair was the third of seven siblings. His siblings—John Edward Blanding, twin brother Berdis Adolphus Blanding, Kathleen Fields, Odessa Wilkins, and Willie Joe Blanding—preceded him in death. Adair’s early years were spent in Birmingham, where he attended Lincoln Elementary and A.H. Parker High School. In 1957, he met and married the love of his life, Delorris Brooks, (who he affectionately called “Dear”), and together they built a life rooted in love and faith, celebrating 67 beautiful years of marriage. From their beginnings in Smithfield to their cherished home in North Birmingham, they created a foundation of warmth and stability. A proud member of First Ebenezer Baptist Church, Adair’s professional journey began as a golf caddy at Vestavia Hills Country Club, where he discovered a lifelong passion for the game. Though health challenges led him away from the course, he found fulfillment in other roles, including work at Oxford Galleries and Ridout Funeral Chapel, ultimately retiring as a respected residential and commercial painter subcontractor.

Adair’s passion for sports went far beyond his love for golf. Weekends found him glued to the TV, eagerly cheering on his favorite teams, whether it was basketball, tennis, gymnastics, or his cherished Alabama Crimson Tide—“Roll Tide!” always on his lips. But above all, family was the true center of his world. He adored his three children, Berdis “Toby” Jr. (Cassandra), Kimberly (Jeff), and Melanie (Samuel), as well as his seven grandchildren, Berdis “TJ” III (Monica), Charee’, Lauren, Tobiah, John Otis, Langston, and Bryce, and his four great-grandchildren, Berdis IV, Blaire, Brendon, and Sariyah. Whether gathered for backyard barbecues or cozy holiday feasts, Adair treasured every moment with his loved ones. His laughter would fill the room as he fondly recalled old stories and shared his affection with everyone around him. True to his warm nature, he never missed a chance to remind those closest to him: “I love you, and I kid you not!”

He is survived by his wife, Delorris B. Blanding, three children, Berdis Adair Blanding, Jr., Kimberly Blanding-Jones, and Melanie Blanding-Louis (of Houston, Texas); and brother, Wayne Blanding (Jane), nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who were blessed to have known him. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those he loved and cherished.