Hugh “Bud” was born on April 1, 1932, in Frost, Ohio, the only son to the late Emmett and Louise Watkins Blair.
From an early age, he was known to be a tenacious, curious and adventurous individual. You could find him running swiftly through the fields picking corn, or sitting on the front porch listening to his favorite country singer, Merle Haggard. He had a desire to explore the world. He joined the United States Army as a teenager and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal. He also earned his Master Parachutist Badge; having over 300 jumps at the time of his military retirement. During his 24 years of service to the country, he traveled to six continents and was honorably discharged as a decorated Chief Warrant Officer 2 and Airborne Ranger; always following the Ranger motto, “Rangers Lead the Way”.
After his distinguished career in the Army, he became a Merchant Marine which led to an illustrious career spanning over 20 years as a Petroleum Engineer, working in America, the North Sea and South East Asia.
Hugh was a lifelong Ham Radio Operator, his call signs 9M2HB (Malaysia) and K4HCB (United States) were well known in ham radio circles. He was also a talented storyteller with a myriad of escapades he vividly recounted to anyone who wanted to listen. And if there was no audience to be had, he was just as content to watch a Miami Dolphins game with a Bloody Mary in his hand.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Bichloan Blair; three cherished daughters, Diana Blair, Gail (Ledel) Lewis and Jacqaline Blair; his grandchildren, Norrel Blair, Joshua Bruce and Danyelle Terpening; great-grandchildren, Raelynn Zavala and Calina Terpening; sister, Rosemary Cox; stepsister, Judy Jamison; stepbrother, John Crooks; nieces, nephews, extended family members and countless friends. He ascended on his own terms and is now reunited with his beloved daughter, Lynn Blair; father, Emmett Blair; mother, Louise Watkins Blair; twin sister, Betty Chicko; middle sister, Linda List; stepbrother, Chuckie Crooks.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 11am to 1pm at Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 5411 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.quattlebaumFH.com for the Blair family.
