Rick “Ricky” Blair, 64, rocked into eternal rest on January 23rd, 2026, leaving behind ringing ears, full hearts, and a legacy that will echo forever. A devoted son, husband, father, brother, pawpaw, friend, and unapologetic lover of heavy metal, Rick lived life turned up- loud music, loud laughter, and a presence that was impossible to ignore. 

Rick was the loving, devoted son to the late Curtis E. Blair and Janice B. Blair. He grew up with the best siblings one could ask for. His big brother, Curt Blair, was his first best friend, shortly followed by his one and only sister, Kandy, brother Billy, and brother Shane. Alongside the Blair clan was Ricks best friend and cousin, Squeak (Greg). Rick lived a colorful, adventurous young life, moving around the country with his family and finally landing in Middletown, Ohio, where he met the love of his life and best friend, Mary (Monce) Blair. They were happily married July 6th, 1984. In 1989, they welcomed their one and only daughter, Mallory, who was his World. They shared a wonderful, loving life together. 

From the thunder of the double bass drums to the poetry hidden inside distorted guitars, music wasn’t just something Rick listened to- it was something he felt. Concerts were sacred and the volume was always loud, just as Ricks personality was. Wherever Rick was, Ozzy, Metallica, Pantera, Iron Maiden, or Creed was playing nearby (among many others). 

Rick also loved classic cars and cherished his 1998 Mustang GT. Rick could be found in the garage on the weekends, working on cars with some of his favorite people. That is, until Sunday, when he’d sit down to watch Rusty Wallace race. 

In 2007, Rick was blessed with the best son, the son he never had. His son-in-law, Justin, met his daughter and they quickly became the best of friends. Justin would eventually ask for his daughter’s hand, and would bless Rick with his first grandchild, a grandson, his boy, Kayden. In 2014, Rick was blessed with his precious granddaughter, Aaralyn. He loved his grandchildren more than life and would often laugh at their silliness and loved their sweet hugs and kisses. 

Beyond the black T-shirts and long hair, Rick was known for a fierce loyalty to the people he loved, a sharp sense of humor, and a heart far softer than his music suggested. He showed up when it mattered, stood his ground when it counted, and lived authentically, refusing to quiet himself for anyone. 

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Mary, daughter, Mallory, son-in-law, Justin, grandson, Kayden, granddaughter, Aaralyn, brothers Curt (Cindy), Billy (Connie), and Shane (Yuko), sister Kandy (John), cousin Squeak (Yvonne), sisters-in-law Susan (Bill), Libbie (Eugene), and Cheryl (Mark), among many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and former in-laws (Kristie Blair and Cindy Stamper), who will forever hear his favorite riffs in unexpected moments and feel his spirit in every song that hits just right.

Rick has joined those that had to depart before him, including his father, Curtis Blair, mother, Janice Blair, father-in-law, Leonard Monce, mother-in-law, Anna Jane Monce, his grandparents, his late sister-in-law, Janice Blair, and several aunts and uncles (including his cherished Aunt Chris). Our hearts are warmed knowing that he has been reunited with these precious people that he loved so dearly. We know he was first greeted by his loving pets, with tails wagging and a ball dropped at his feet. 

Rick was loved by many and also loved many in return. Anyone that knows Rick, knows that he would give the shirt off his back or help anyone in need. He cared for his daughter’s best friends as they were his own. Angelica and Amber held parts of his heart. He helped friends with groceries when they had nothing, even if it meant that he went without. He was kind-hearted and gentle; with the biggest heart you could find. His laugh and his smile were infectious. He loved being outside working on cars or watching TV inside with his family, playing his PlayStation (cursing at Crash Bandicoot or racing), watching NASCAR on Sundays or watching Alien shows the other nights of the week, going to Kings Island and riding every coaster with Mallory, or driving his truck (which he loved- forever 817).

A special thank you to those that cared for our special guy over the years, as he fought against daily struggles of Dementia. His wife, Mary, worked tirelessly day in and day out to care for Rick. Along with Mallory, his son-in-law, Justin, also cared for Rick and stopped at nothing to provide selfless care whenever it was needed, even if that meant just sitting and listening to his favorite music with him. This thanks is also extended to his care providers at Roper Hospital and to his care team with Amedisys. 

"So close, no matter how far. Couldn't be much more from the heart. Forever trusting who we are. No, nothing else matters." -Metallica

When your light flickers or you just can’t understand where those knocks come from, take a moment and understand that Rick, in Rick style, is saying “I’m here” and is probably laughing his Rick laugh. When you hear a song by one of his favorite bands, think of him and smile. Smile when you eat his favorite boiled peanuts, Sandy cookies, circus peanuts, or Star Crunch. Think of him when you eat his favorite burgers and fries and fried green tomatoes. He will forever be with us in everything that we do. 

A Final Encore will be held on 4/19/26 (Ricks Birthday). In true Rick fashion, attendees are encouraged to wear band tees, raise a fist, and remember him not in silence, but in sound.

Further details will be provided at a later date. 

Turn it up. Horns high. Rest in power.