Rell B. "Jake" Blair

Rell B. “Jake” Blair, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Tennova Residential Hospice after a sudden illness. Jake was a faithful member of Cumberland Baptist Church and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Jake served in the United States Army as a young man before entering professional like. A retired auctioneer, Jake worked for Furrow Auction Company and Alfred A. Robinson Company for many years. He was preceded in death by parents, William T. and Myrtle Blair, and stepfather, Horace Dixon; Mother of his two children, Eugenia Blair; Brother, Walter Blair; Half sisters, Willie Lewis and Mary Lynch; and half brother, William E. “Pete” Bailey. Survived by wife of 24 years, Phyllis A. Blair; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Michele Blair of Mt. Juliet, and daughter, Carolyn Whelahan, of Knoxville; stepchildren Richard and Karen Angel, of Atlanta, Glenn and Sharon Myers of Maryville, Brian and Sheila Angel, Terri Angel and Jo Boudreaux and Mark and Diana Angel, all of Knoxville. Jake is survived by sixteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters, Mildred Yates of Rutledge and Hazel Maples of Sevierville; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a local charity. Funeral service will be held at 8:00 pm Monday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel with Rev. Leland Lyon officiating. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home 10:15 am Tuesday to proceed to Fort Sumter Cemetery for graveside service at 11:00 am. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 pm Monday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel.