Charles Rawlings Blair

Send Flowers

Visitation Schedule
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Hwy 107
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
6:00-8:00 PM
Service Schedule
First Lutheran Church
8th & Rock Streets
Little Rock, AR  72202
Thursday, October 30, 2014
11:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery
1501 Maryland Avenue
North Little Rock,, AR  72120
Memorial Contributions
First Lutheran Church
314 E. 8th Street
Little Rock, AR  72202
Charles Rawlings Blair

of North Little Rock, AR

February 2, 1951 - October 23, 2014

Charles Rawlings Blair Passed peacefully in his sleep on October 23 after a heroic 4 year battle with cancer. He was born to Harry Melvin Blair and Lorene Virginia McClellan Blair in Astoria OR on February 2, 1951 and lived in Hawaii and Chula Vista CA while his father served in the US Navy before moving to North Little Rock, home of his mother's family, where he started 2nd Grade at the First Lutheran School. At that point he was a life-long resident of Arkansas.
Chuck attended North Little Rock High School and studied architecture at the University of Arkansas. On a road trip to Dallas with his brother Tim, driving Chuck's MG, it was easy to see that he loved the car. But it was not yet known that he would quit architecture, become a Jaguar mechanic in training, and ultimately become the owner of Blair's British Car Service which he continued to run in North Little Rock for 39 years. He was very dedicated to and loved by his customers, there was no job too big and he loved the challenge of fixing anything that no one else could.
He truly was the ultimate example of living life to the fullest. His smile and laughter brought joy to all he met; he faced both the work and play in his life with a passion and energy that was extraordinary. In his early years he spent many fun hours racing Formula Atlantic cars, dirt bikes and anything else that would go fast. That need for speed continued on into his years of snow skiing and sailing. This also included many memorable trips with friends in the infamous BBC van to car races and sailing regattas.
He skied for many years with friends and especially loved the ski trips with the Little Rock Athletic Club. He had a natural talent, no fear, and would ski any mountain and off of many a cliff that most of us would not dare. Unless you were an expert skier, it was usually inadvisable to follow him.
Chuck was probably most passionate about his sailing at the Grande Maumelle Sailing Club and in regattas across the country. He greatly loved his boats, his crews, and all his fellow sailors. He was especially honored to serve as the club Commodore for two years, as well as receiving the Club's Linda Sexton Memorial Service Award, winning the Centerboard Club Championship, and receiving the GMSC Northern Star. In addition he had numerous awards for Regattas, Centerboard and Keelboat races, both at GMSC and around the country.
He also had a passion for travel. He particularly loved chartering sailboats with friends in the Caribbean for sailing around the islands and scuba diving. One of the most special trips of all was to Scotland for his wedding to Kathy, hiking in the Highlands and seeing the country of his family's ancestry.
Chuck is survived by his wife Col (Ret) Kathryn Karr Blair of North Little Rock, his brother Dr. Timothy Blair (Cynthia) of Lebanon TN, his aunt Dr. Betty Jane McClellan Daviee of Oklahoma City, his daughters Ginna Blair of Carrollton GA and Kris McCullough (John) of Dublin OH, his grandson Pierce Charles McCullough, his numerous cousins, and his much loved dog and companion Cassie.
Visitation will be held from 6 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, at the Roller-Owens Funeral Home at 5509 JFK in North Little Rock (501-791-7400). Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 30th, at 1st Lutheran Church at 8th and Rock in Little Rock followed by interment at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 1501 W. Maryland, North Little Rock at 1 p.m.
Memorials may be made to 1st Lutheran Church, 314 E. 8th St, Little Rock AR 72202; Any Animal Rescue Organization of your choosing; or the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 7328, Little Rock AR 72217.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens

Sign Guestbook

51 Condolence(s)
Candy Carter Knight
Collierville, TN
Liked
Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Chuck Blair was one of a kind! I knew both Chuck and Tim when my family lived in NLR when I was in 8th and 9th grade. Our families attended the same Lutheran church and I have always remembered his big smile and how much fun he was. I am so sorry to learn of his passing.

David Lind
Alexandria, LA
Liked
Friday, July 17, 2015

Just learned of Chuck's passing, and I'm very sorry. I only knew Chuck through his auto repair business, but I liked him and felt he was extremely skilled and honest. Many condolences to his family and friends.

Dallas Miller
NLR, AR
Liked
Wednesday, December 10, 2014

My oldest memories of chuck was seeing him drive up in the bbc van when I was 8 years old in front of my dad’s tire shop on Broadway in NLR., and the time he took me for a ride in a black jaguar that had a NASCAR motor { it was fast!} , I will always remember him being so nice to me, rest.

Rodney N. Roberts
Columbus, MS
Liked
Monday, November 3, 2014

Kathy, I am very sorry for your lost. My prayer for you is that Jesus will give you strength during this time.

Clif Causey
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 30, 2014

Wonderful person and excellent man. Rest now Chuck and thanks.

Thomas Griggs
Salt Lake City, UT
Liked
Thursday, October 30, 2014

My friend and mentor. Chuck you will be missed dearly. Just knowing you and working next to you made me a better person and technician. I am proud to have been able to call you my friend. You were one of a kind. Kathy, Tim, Ginna and the rest of the Blair family my heart goes out to you all, you are in my thought and prayers.

Rick Derickson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, October 30, 2014

A uniquely talented and generous soul. Chuck and his team for decades provided the best Jaguar service available, and are sorely missed. Condolences to all the Blair family.

Anne Nash
Lynchburg, VA
Liked
Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Kathy, Words really do escape me right now. I think of Chuck and I tear up immediately.You and he were so good together, and I remember you both truly fondly. I will always be grateful that Jen had the opportunity to sail with and to know Chuck, and I know how much she admired you both. Men don't come an finer than Chuck, and I will miss him. Please know that tomorrow I will be with you in spirit and will make a special toast in celebration of his life and of your lives together.

Vance Dobyns
Hot Springs,
Liked
Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Have some of the best memories of trips with Chuvk. Cathy loved the weekends we all spent together in Hot Springs. Chuck was a life blessing and wil be missed. God bless you

Stanley Prince
Brinkley, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 29, 2014





..










Chuck was a long time friend & the only mechanic my Stag had ever known. Chuck had worked on my Stag ever since it backed off the truck at Continental Car in Little Rock. Chuck was a high performance master. Going to his shop you'd find everything from a new Porsche race car to a 1950's Jaguar barn find being restored. After replacing the head on the Stag about a year ago, he mentioned that the Stag was his oldest client, meaning he had worked on her longer than any other car, 40 + years.It was an HONOR knowing Chuck he will be missed.

Frank and Janice Spoon
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 29, 2014

My wife Janice and I lived on the same street (Locust) with Chuck and Tim - actually right across the street from them. We have many good memories of our time with both of them (me especially) - playing pool in their basement - listening to records in their living room - please accept our sincere sympathy on your loss. Frank Spoon

Linda Langley
Gravel Ridge, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 29, 2014

My prayers to Kathy, Tim and all the family. Have not seen Chuck since the early '90,s (I think). Chuck and Kathy were involved with a Kaleidoscope event at the Lafayette Hotel. Was fortunate enough to meet Kathy there and visit with Chuck a little. What a blessing Chuck was to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Rest in peace.

Gene baker
Little rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Chuck became surgeon general of my 87 Dorchester gray Jag. We put 300, 000 miles of that car while Chuck added a wing to his house...The "Geno" Wing.all kidding aside, here was a guy with grease under his nails who could discuss the fall of Rome or the how's and why 's of DNA. Brilliant man, booming sense of humor and oh! What an expert at his craft. Our country needs more of this mentality. He fixed my kid's kaleidoscope and wouldn't take a dime for doing so. I will TRULY miss Chuck. God loves you son!

Edmond Freeman
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Chuck was a straight shooter and a pleasure to know. He was gifted in a number of ways. He had high intelligence, a direct manner, excellent sense of humor, a remarkable ability to explain complicated matters and, of course, uncanny mechanical skill. I admired him and will miss him.

Tim Orellano
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 28, 2014

You were a blessing to everyone you met with your infectious laugh and positive attitude.
We will celebrate your life and all the good times that seemed to be all the time with you.

My thoughts and prayers to the family and rest in peace my friend.
Tim

Tom Carpenter
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 28, 2014

I have known Chuck for more years than I can remember. When I heard the news, my first reaction was, "well, Chuck, I think it may have been a little more serious than you ever let on." What a champion of a person! He was always ready to help, but he also seemed to know when he did not want to get involved with something, and that is an art many of us do not have. We used to eat breakfast at the same place, but he stopped coming, and then they tore the place down to expand the high school. So, I will just go on thinking that I am looking forward to the next time I see him at breakfast. For all his family, especially Tim, you are in my prayers and thoughts. Godspeed.

Christopher Robertson Jr.
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Chuck was a genius. Literally a genius! I was constantly amazed at his ability to dismantle and reassemble anything, and almost always without the proverbial "extra screw" left over. He was a nautical expert, and seemingly had figured out how to sail forever without a trace of wind. It was as if the concept that one couldn't do something was the neon sign "enter here" in his mind. That made him extremely interesting, for a small child to a grown adult. Between he and Hester, it seems the Mr. Wizards of the world are disappearing, but the impressions they left are felt every time you look at something with that completely confused and 'given all you had' feeling, and then think "Chuck or Hester could fix that". It happens all the time...

Bob Hathhorn
Perryville, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Chuck...I am fortunate to have crossed paths with you.

Merle Paule and Candee Teitel
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 27, 2014

Chuck was one of those folks that made GMSC a worthy organization and a great place to sail. He was always a source of great energy, enthusiasm and optimism that would not be denied. Very sorry for your loss, Katy: he is our loss, too.

Gil caver
Little rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 27, 2014

Remember our great trip to tortilla,our thoughts and prayers are with you

Mike & Victoria Berhiet
Little Rock,
Liked
Monday, October 27, 2014

Chuck will be greatly missed ... working with him for 27 years had certainly kept life interesting to put it simply. Rest in peace my friend.

James Harris
bigelow,
Liked
Monday, October 27, 2014

You will be missed.

robyn rogers
riverside,
Liked
Monday, October 27, 2014

I can never look at a wine cork without thinking of Chuck & chuckling a bit! Hugs to you, Kathy & Kris.

Deborah Findley Stewart
Austin, TX
Liked
Monday, October 27, 2014

Dear Blair Family,
Chuck was such an amazing man. His many talents and indomitable spirit will remain an inspiration to us all. If there is car racing in heaven, he and my dad are already on the track.

CartiNlr
Nlr, AR
Liked
Monday, October 27, 2014

Blair Family, We are sorry for your loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time. Your friends at CartiNlr

Becky Hiett Heathcock
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Chuck was a precious person. I am sure the NLRHS class of 1969 share my feeling that we lost one of our finest! I think this quote from Helen Keller says it best when remembering Chuck. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Rest in peace our friend.

Diane Fowler
New Braunfels, TX
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

God Bless. Will keep you in my prayers....D

William Phillips
Little Rock,
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

It was an honor to have known Chuck. My family joins me in sending our condolences to the family.

Tom Anderson
Roland, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

Kathy, so sorry to hear about Chuck. I know you both have been fighting for so long. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Let me know if there is anything I can do. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.

Tom & Tammy Simmons
jRiverside, CA
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

Our heart-felt condolences to Kathy and family. Peace be with you all.

Carol and John Mugerditchian
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

Both our lives were enriched by having gotten to know Chuck. Spending time with Chuck was always a joy, and his awesome outlook and good spirit couldn't help but rub off and brighten your day. We are going to miss Chuck a lot, but having been his friends will be a continuous source of blessings.

Kerny Blanchard
Marrero, LA
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

I was not fortunate enough to meet Charles but he was a smart fellow to wed a wonderful woman as Kathy. Our prayers and sympathy are with her.

Pat Carter
SHELTON, WA
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

Life is not forever; Love is. God bless Chuck, Kathy plus all family and friends.

Stephen Mers
Heber Springs, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

Peace.

Beauford (BC) Lawson
Belle Chasse, LA
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

On behalf of the men and women of the 926th Fighter Wing Alumni Association, we offer our condolences. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We wish rich memories in the days ahead. Cajuns Always– Better than the best.
Chief’s BC & Judy Lawson.

Jon, Nicole, Rob, & Sylvie
LittleRock, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

We will miss Chuck's wide smile, big hugs, long lens, fix anything & solve any problem acumen, and even the dirty air from Mo' Fo' Less. He broke the mold and he leaves a huge void in his wake. All our love to his family.

Chris West
N.L.R.,
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

May peace find your family Chuck.

Bill Pearrow
, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 26, 2014

Rest in peace, my friend. Prayers for comfort in this difficult time for the family.

Roger and Brenda Gardner
Biloxi,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

Sending love and kisses to you Kathy. Prayers to you and your family.

Dee Henderson
Little rock,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

Dear Kathy:
We will greatly miss Chuck. We still have memories of his humor and laugh. We are praying for you and your family Kathy. Love, Dee

Phyllis Haynes
Little Rock,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

Blessings and love to you, Kathy, in this time of sorrow.

Jj Muehlhausen
,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

May your trust in God and the compassion of friends and family sustain you during this time of loss. We are praying for you.

Ruby McNamara
lLittle Rock,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

Kathy yours and Chucks love is a beautiful story. I am so sorry he is gone, his earthly loss is heavens gain.
Now Chuck is resting in peace and haven has gained more love to sprinkle down from above.

Lisa Rodriguez
Columbus,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

In life you sailed among the waters...today you fly with the angels. God bless you Chuck for bringing so much joy to so many while never giving in to your sickness. Rest in peace. Prayers for the family and Cassie.

Frank and Fe Cox
LR,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

A million great memories.

Janet Berry
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

Farewell from a long time SCCA friend. I knownChuck will go fast in heaven.

Susan Karr
Tomball,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

There is a brilliant star in the heavens tonight, filled with goodness and abundant light. Chuck lived life with passion and zest - his radiant smile was simply the best. We'll miss you, Chuck, upon this earth, but as we look to the heavens we'll always know, you're smiling down on us with a love- filled glow.
With Love,
Susan Karr

Rob & Peggy Seamon
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

Kathy, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chuck was one-of-a-kind and one of the most happy and cheerful persons we have ever known. To be in a room with him was to be joyful. He will be well-remembered by his friends and family for all the many wonderful qualities he had.

Becki Wynne Anderson
Ft Worth, TX
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

My most sincere condolences to Kathi and the entire family for the loss of such a great man. His legacy will live on in those who loved him. May God grant you all great peace at this difficult time.

Wanda and Werner
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

He was a dear, good friend and will be missed immensely. Love to Kathy, Tim, Ginna, Kris and especially Pierce Charles.

Jan Britton
Nashville,
Liked
Saturday, October 25, 2014

My prayers are with you and your family