Shirley K. Blair

Shirley K. Blair, age 79, went home to Jesus at 11:40 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband William F. "Bill" Blair who passed in 1978 and her son David Lee "Buddy" Blair who passed in 1980. She was also preceded in death by her father George, step-mother Jennie, brothers John and Jim, and special cousin Winnie. Shirley is survived by her three daughters: Debbie Williams and husband Jack; Cindy Blair and fiancé Phil; and Linda Blair and significant other Ronnie; two grandsons: Joe Williams and wife Anna, and John Williams and wife Carolyn; great grandson Nathan Jay and twin great grandchildren, Lily and Levi, due in April; great granddaughter Sophie; special friend and "step-daughter" Opal; sisters-in-law Margaret and Pat; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends too numerous to name. Shirley was well-known in the community as the owner and operator of Buddy's Supermarket, at one time the largest grocery store and a well-known landmark in Maryville. Shirley and her husband Bill named the business after their son Buddy and ran the business together for almost twenty years before Bill died unexpectedly in a car crash in 1978. Shirley then continued to run the business for another twenty years before she retired in 1998. The couple also built and ran Deb-Lin-Cy Laundromat next door to Buddy's; they named the laundromat after their three daughters Debbie, Linda and Cindy. Shirley was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved her four children more than anything and worked hard her entire life to provide the best she could for them. She was a most generous person, always placing others' needs before her own. She treated her friends and employees just like family and was like a second mother to many. Having survived many life tragedies herself, she always remained a pillar of strength for those around her. One of Shirley's greatest joys was holding babies and visiting with the children who came to see her in the store. She also enjoyed preparing and delivering food baskets and boxes to those in need at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any other time she knew there was a need. Shirley had a great sense of humor, even in the most trying times, and often laughed so hard she cried and caused others to do the same. Shirley was a blessing to everyone who had the privilege to know her, and she will be sadly missed by all. But we can rejoice in knowing that she now has a heavenly body free of pain and suffering and is with her dear family and friends who have passed before her. Shirley's daughters wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Blount Memorial Hospital, MorningView Transitional Care Center and Shannondale of Maryville for their kindness and compassion during this most difficult transition for them and their mother. Memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, 2014, at Grandview Baptist Church in Maryville with Rev. Scott Kidd and David Sweet officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. immediately following the services. Friends are invited to join the family at a graveside service at Grandview Cemetery on Friday, December 5, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to your favorite charities in honor of Shirley and her giving spirit. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley K. Blair please visit our Sympathy Store.