Blair to be honored Friday in Towson (updated)

The family of former Orioles center fielder Paul Blair will greet his many friends and fans on Friday, Jan. 3, at Ruck's Funeral Home at 1050 York Road in Towson. The public is invited to attend from 2-8 p.m. Blair, a member of the Orioles Hall of Fame who spent 13 of his 17 seasons in Baltimore, died on Dec. 26 after collapsing at a bowling alley in Pikesville. He was 69. Memorial contributions may be sent in Blair's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. A private memorial service will be held for Blair, but the family is providing a setting for the public to honor him. The eight-time Gold Glove winner lived in the Baltimore area since his playing days and was active in numerous community and charitable events, many on behalf of the Orioles and the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association. Blair was part of the 1966, '69, '70 and '71 World Series teams. He won two titles with the Orioles and two more with the Yankees. The following is Blair's obituary on the Ruck's Funeral Home Web site: On December 26, 2013, Paul L. D. Blair, beloved husband of Gloria P. Blair (nee Jackson); loving son of Zephra Lee Blair (nee Stewart) and the late Paul Blair, Sr.; devoted father of Paul Blair, III, Paula Blair, Kevin Blair, and the late Terrence Blair; dear brother of Paulette Blair; also survived by 5 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.