Leo Frederick "Sam" Blair, Jr.
November 24, 1927 ~ January 31, 2026
Born in:
Brockton, MA
Resided in:
Mills River, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailMills River- Leo Federick “Sam” Blair, Jr., 98, of Mills River, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.
A native of Brockton, MA, he was a son of the late Leo F. Blair, Sr. and Evangeline Johnson Blair.
Sam served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1945 to 1965 and was a veteran of WW2 and the Korean conflict, 1950 to 1951. Upon retiring from the Marines, he purchased Skyland Hardware in 1965. He owned and operated it until he retired in 1993. He was a member of Avery’s Creek United Methodist Church, where he served as chairman of the board and the finance committee.
He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Lucille Creasman Blair; two sons, Marvin Blair (Ellen) and Norman Blair; a sister, Pamela Stone; a brother Donald Monceric as well as several nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Averys Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Averys Creek United Methodist Church, Four Seasons Compassion of Life or Marines Toys for Tots.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Services
Graveside Service: February 17, 2026 2:00 pm
Avery's Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery
Avery's Creek Road
Arden, NC 28704
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I’m so sorry to hear about Mr Blair’s passing. I worked for him many years ago at Skyland Hardware. He will be fondly remembered.
Bill Cochrane
A true icon in our once little village of Skyland. Thank you Mr Sam for all the help rendered. Rest…
Marvin, so sorry to hear about your dad. Appreciate his service. Many was the time I had a problem, knew I needed a part to fix it and he always had a suggestion.