WILLIAM HOWARD BLAIR, age 81, of Murfreesboro, died Tuesday May 12, 2009 at Alive Hospice at Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville. He requested that his body be donated to Vanderbilt Medical School. Memorial Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Reverend Jim Clardy will officiate. Mr. Blair was born December 19, 1927 to the late Murphree and Mabel Blair. He was a graduate of Lascassas High School and attended MTSU. He retired from National Life and Accident Insurance Company after more than 30 years of service. After retirement he was employed with Haynes Hardware for 21 years. Mr. Blair served as a good will ambassador for laryngectomy patients in the hospital as well as when they returned home. He served as Secretary " Treasurer of the New Voice Club for 15 years and was a member of Saint Marks United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Janie Arnold Blair, three sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Lisa Blair of Pulaski, Bob and Pam Blair of Cookeville and Bryan and Sarah Blair of Murfreesboro; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Courtney and Kevin Gregory, Matt Blair, Brandon and Blair Blair, Lindsey and Mark Elliott, Scott and Stephanie Blair, Steven Blair and Patrick Blair, four great-grandchildren, Carter Gregory, Addie Blair, Taylor Elliott and Bailey Blair. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Fred Blair. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be from 5:00 till 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. www.woodfinchapel.com (615) 893-5151