Donald Blair Obituary

Donald Eugene Blair, 85, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. He passed away in his home with his wife and best friend, Donna, by his side holding his hand.
He was born in Granite, Oklahoma, on October 12, 1939, to the late Lessie Felita MacBurnett and the late Donald Samuel Blair. Don grew up in Malvern, Arkansas. He wasn't exactly the studious type, (only completing the 8 grade), but anyone who knew Don knew he was a visionary; his work ethic and determination would take him far. He began his adult life at the age of 14 by hitchhiking to Texas and working for King Ranch. In 1957, he joined the Navy and proudly served his country, completing two tours of duty. While on leave Don returned to Malvern to visit his mother and grandmother. On that visit he had a blind date with Donna Jean Nichols. They were married in 1961 and spent 64 years together, through thick and thin, not only as husband and wife, but also as best friends.
Don Blair had a true entrepreneurial spirit and an incredible work ethic that supported not only his family but paved a way for many others needing a fresh start or a helping hand. His trials and hardships birthed in him a deep desire to help many people successfully create a better life for themselves. The number of lives profoundly impacted by his generosity, care, and sage advice is immeasurable.
While his accomplishments were many, Don's legacy was established out of his addiction to alcohol and drugs. He chose sobriety on July 11, 1989, and began a life-long journey of healing. Don and Donna began a small, faith-based recovery meeting affiliated with their church in 2001. Over the last 25 years, this small group has become an ongoing, weekly recovery ministry named GIG (Growing in Grace), where all people receive a hot meal, the gospel, and unconditional love. Through this ministry thousands of lives continue to be impacted by the love of Christ.
A dear pastor and friend, Steven Saul, commented, "Don Blair was walking with Jesus and planted more seeds of faith in all our hearts because Don knew Jesus, and he believed that healing existed for addicts and those who are wounded by the world. I have never been a part of anything like GIG, and the reason is because Don Blair (a saint and servant for Jesus) was sold out for Jesus Christ and restoring what was lost and bringing so many (literally) to faith."
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Daniel Blair (Vivian) and Suzan Blair; his five grandchildren, Hayden Blair (Melody), Riley Blair, Ashley Stobaugh (Jené), James Stobaugh, Anna Claire Hill, and one great grandchild, Nolan Blair. The list of family would not be complete without his bonus daughters and family friends, Tere Rios and Evelyn Moore, and four-legged faithful companion, "Lucky Lottie".
The family wishes to express their profound appreciation for all of Don's caretakers who not only cared for him but also Donna over these past few years. Their lives were also blessed through the passionate and dedicated workers at Visiting Angels and Hospice Arkansas.
A celebration of Don's life and legacy will be held on Saturday, August 9, at 10 am at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, 8300 Kanis Road, Little Rock, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Andrew's Church in care of GIG, the ministry Don and Donna nurtured and loved.
These verses of scripture were some of Don's favorites; he lived the latter part of his life with these words as his guide. Isaiah 58: 6-9a: Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to lose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com