Rev. Johnnie R. Blair Sr.

Rev. Johnnie R. Blair Sr. made it home.  He went to see Jesus face to face on March 11, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. from Community North Hospital in Indianapolis.  He was born in Jamestown, Tennessee on June 30, 1947 to Archie Conrad and Thelma Lee (Turner) Blair.  He married Linda (Krick) on May 22, 1965, she survives.

Johnnie was ordained by and licensed through the Wesleyan Tabernacle Association.  He was the pastor of the Crossroads Community Wesleyan Church in Holton, IN and had been a pastor there for nearly 6 years, but had been in ministry as an evangelist, traveling, singing and preaching for 45 years along with his wife Linda.

He lived his life doing exactly what he loved to do, which was exactly what God called him to do.  He gave his all to the mission of reaching people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was an exciting, fun –loving, and boisterous individual who could light up a room with his enthusiasm and charisma.  Many people remember him for the man with the booming voice and gentle heart.  He loved big.  He loved the Lord with everything he had, he loved his family with all his heart, and he loved the people he had the privilege of shepherding along the way.

He used to say that “The only thing you can take to heaven with you when you go is your family, and the people that you love.”  We are encouraged because we know this is true, and we will see him again someday.

He is survived by his wife, Linda (Krick) Blair, his children Karen and Marvin McBride, Muncie, IN, Kathy and Randy Ames, Lakeland, FL, Kimberly and Jonathan Kline, Lakeland, FL, Johnnie Jr. and Amanda Blair, Tipton, IN.

He is also survived by siblings, Jerry Blair (Jackie) Muncie, IN, Paul Blair (Karen) Columbus, IN, Connie Wheeler (Keith) Muncie, IN and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Olivia and Steven Best, Brayden, Cayden, Baylee; Donavan and D’Andrea McBride, Darran, Ellieanna, Stetsan; Alex and Diedra McBride; Andrew McBride; Hannah McBride; Randy Jr. and Lynsi Ames, Everly and Magnolia; Heather and Vincent Dubbeld; Rylan Ames; Reagan Ames, Heidi Ames; Jessica and Brandon Shroyer; Justin Kline; Julianna Kline; Jasmine Kline; Jackson Kline; Austin Blair; Aleigha Blair; Aidan Blair; and Adeline Blair.

He was preceded in death by his twin sons Kenneth Ray and Keith Duane, his parents Archie and Thelma Blair and many aunts and uncles.

Johnnie’s funeral service will be Friday March 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Tipton with Rev. Richard Williams presiding.  No graveside services are planned at this time.  Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and also Friday from Noon until 1:00 p.m.  Young-Nichols Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to: Wesleyan Tabernacle Association, 3049 Fawcett Road Peebles, Ohio 45660.