Mark Steven Blair, 69, of Germantown, TN, went home to be with the Lord on December 24, 2023. He was born on November 17, 1954, in Arkansas City, KS. Mark led a fulfilling and accomplished life, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by his loved ones.
Mark is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Dee Anne Blair. He was a loving and supportive father to his son, Jason Blair, daughter-in-law, Heather Blair, daughter, Kristen Blair Bowman, and son-in-law, Ben Bowman. Mark adored his grandchildren, Carter Blair, Harper Blair, Will Bowman, and Jake Bowman. Mark had a special place in his heart for his nieces, Erin Richmiller and Emily Pendergrass, as well as numerous cousins and extended family.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents, R. Paul and Peggy (Gentry) Blair, and his sister, Margaret Ann Hollenback.
Mark received a Marketing and Management Degree from Oklahoma State University, where he met Dee Anne and developed a lifelong love for all things orange. He began his career as Director of Consumer Sales at Cessna Aircraft in 1976. Mark joined FedEx in 1990 as Managing Director of Aircraft Acquisitions. He also held roles of Managing Director of Feeder Aircraft Operations, Vice President of Supplemental Air Operations, Vice President of Aircraft Engineering and Planning, and Vice President of Aircraft Base and Propulsion Maintenance. He retired as Vice President of Aircraft Base and International Maintenance in 2017.
In his spare time Mark could be found enjoying one of his many hobbies or working on a project. He loved to be at Pickwick Lake on the boat or sea doo, driving tractors or off road vehicles, and just tinkering around the house. You could never find him sitting still. Nothing was better than when he had his whole family on the boat, pulling a grandkid on skis or enjoying an afternoon cruise. Mark also had a passion for cars, specifically Corvettes, and maintained an extensive collection. In recent years he found a love for his farm in Slayden.
Mark became a Christian at a young age and was an active member of his childhood church, First Southern Baptist Church in Ark City, KS. He has been a member Germantown Baptist Church for 33 years where he served as a deacon, a committee member, and a choir member.
A ceremony to celebrate Mark's life will be held on Saturday, December 30th at the Germantown Baptist Church Faith Building (9450 Poplar Avenue). Visitation will take place from 11am to 1pm, followed by a service at 1pm. A funeral procession will then lead to the graveside service at Magnolia Cemetery (435 S. Mount Pleasant Road). Collierville Funeral Home in Collierville, TN, will be assisting the family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gift of Gathering Fund at Germantown Baptist Church.
Mark has been described as a special person, a great and wonderful man, a tremendous life influence, one in a million, a kind and constant friend, a true gentleman, someone to aspire to be like, determined and positive, more than a boss, a mentor, a treasure, kind and sincere, witty and funny, wise and knowledgeable, a role model, a brother in Christ, and always full of life with a great story to tell. He will be greatly missed.
"Film at Eleven"
