Keith Blair

Keith Henry Blair, 70, went to be with the Lord on January 9, 2026. He was born in Conway, Arkansas on July 10, 1955, to Frank Jr and Ailene Blair. The family that had grown to include a brother and sister settled in North Little Rock's Oak Grove community in 1969. Keith received his BA Education degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 1977 and taught middle school history, civics, and English for 34 years in the Pulaski County Special School District before retiring in 2011. A lifelong resident of central Arkansas, he moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama in September of 2025 to be closer to his immediate and extended family.

Keith was baptized into Fuller Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in the fall of 1969 and was a faithful, devoted member of the church for over 56 years. Keith loved the Lord and his church family and was always eager to discuss the bible. He enjoyed visiting and worshipping at churches across the state of Arkansas.

Keith was known for his ready smile and enjoyment of a good joke. Whether interacting with people while running daily errands or spending time with his family and friends, he always gave others a reason to laugh and smile. His kind, generous heart was open to everyone, and he was blessed with a unique gift for only seeing the good in people. These traits are well represented in his short time as a resident in Tuscaloosa. After only a few months he was on a first name basis with the ladies at his credit union, the post office and his various nurses and medical staff. They would all break out into a big smile when “Mr. Keith” came in. Likewise, he quickly became loved by the members of Tuscaloosa Primitive Baptist Church, where his brother Craig pastors.

While he never married, Keith led a rich life and enjoyed many varied pursuits. He loved sports and was an avid fan of Alabama football and Duke basketball. Several family members note that he seemed to pick teams that usually win. He loved to buy books and magazines, for himself and for others, particularly his niece and nephews when they were young. Perhaps most notable was Keith’s penchant for communicating, both by phone and regular mail, with friends and family across the country. Mail received from Keith was easily recognized by his brand - different colors of ink in the address and multiple layers of adhesive, tape and clasps to seal the envelope. He loved to talk and well used his “flip” phone to maintain and nurture the relationships he held dear with friends and family across the country.

Keith is survived by his brother, Craig Blair (Rita) of Tuscaloosa, AL, his sistier, Jennifer Thornton of Bartlett, TN, his nephews, Braden Blair, Paul Blair and Andrew Thornton, and niece Sydnie Thornton. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ailene and Frank Blair, and by his brother-in-law, Joe Thornton. Keith also treasured his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.