Donald Eugene Blair, 85, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, July 30th, 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 8th 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
5 Comments
A true giant in the world of recovery. Saved many lives and provided hope, opportunity, love, care, and a chance to so many.
“The two shall become one”
So it was Don & Donna Blair.
Never in their presence that we were not better for it.
Humble servants of the Lord Jesus Christ serving HIM,
by serving HIS kids.
All those years ago I am picking up some veterans at the Fort Roots rehab for church.
Then another church van shows up & I go ask this fellow, “sir who are you, working my field?”
Took him a minute to tell me, Don was so tickled.😁
We were instant friends & I was always excited for anyone Don & Donna could get under their incredible
Wisdom, Love, & Care. HIS Wisdom, Love, & Care.
Donna, I was glancing through obituaries today and noticed one said “grew up in Malvern” so I read a little more to see if I knew the man. When I read married Donna Jean Nichols I thought I know her. You lived with your grandparents , the Inglis’,across the street . So sorry to hear of your loss but it was great to hear of your addiction ministry. Be blessed. Doug Scott
Don was an outstanding man and with Donna are so loved and admired in the AA community and elsewhere. My love and prayers are with you and your family. You and Don are still a tremendous influence in my life.
I attended the celebration of life for Don today. tt was the most up-lifting funeral service of my life. Don was a bright light for Jesus. He removed shadows from many dark corners. Don didn’t just tell lost souls where Christ could be found, he extended a hand and led them there.. Don’s life on earth is over but choirs of Angels are singing for him in heaven.!
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