Jerry lived a life that was anything but ordinary. He served his country with distinction in the US Army Infantry Elite Units, and after his military service, he pursued education with the same determination, earning his BA, MA, and JD. For over 31 years, he practiced law with the kind of deep compassion and unwavering integrity that defined everything he did. But Jerry was never just one thing. He was a singer, songwriter, and writer who could move a room with a song just as easily as he could move a courtroom with an argument. Whether he was sitting at the piano, strumming a guitar, casting a fishing line, or spending time at the range, he brought his whole self to everything he loved. And he did it all with a sense of humor that could lighten even the heaviest moments.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Edison Blair, Sr., his mother, Linda Mae Blair and his grandson, AAM-B.
He is survived by his wife, Richelle K Blair; his daughters, Carrie Elizabeth Linville – Will and Rivkah Odie Blair; his son, Daniel Elijah Blair – Danielle; his brothers, Joseph Lee Blair – Faith and Jay Anthony Blair; his sister, Melinda Marie Blair; two bonus sons he held close to his heart, Christopher Joel Crim – Brittany and Calvin Nicholas Paugh – Courtlyn; several grandchildren, bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jerry was a man who understood grace, both the need for it and the beauty of offering it to others. As Brennan Manning wrote in The Ragamuffin Gospel, “To be alive is to be broken, and to be broken is to stand in need of grace.” Jerry knew that truth well, and he now rests in the fullness of that grace.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Crestview Manor Healthcare Center and Adoration Hospice for their care, compassion, and support during Jerry’s time there.
Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. where a service will be held at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor John Linaburg as officiant. Interment will follow in the WV National Cemetery, 42 Veterans Memorial Ln, Grafton, WV, where full military honors will be accorded.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 620 Sea Island Road, Suite 324, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home