William Scott "Billy" Blair, Jr. of Columbia, died Friday, November 3, 2017 in Columbia. Born May 2, 1924 in Blair, Fairfield County, S.C., he was 93 years of age. He was the first-born son of the late William Scott Blair and Grace Rabb Blair. He was a graduate of Monticello High School, Class of 1942, and was a retired Marine combat veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

He was a long-time member of Salem Presbyterian Church, having joined this Christian fellowship by baptism on June 6, 1926 and later as a full communicant member by his profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ on September 3, 1950 as a young man of 26 years of age.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Joyce Malinda Pate Blair, who died in 2013; his four siblings; sisters, Emily Blair Degeneres, Minnie Elizabeth Blair, and Grace Blair Frazier and, Lt. Otis Blair.

Survivors include sons, Scott Blair, Larry Crowe (Rhonda), Barry Crowe; and daughter, Gayle Gunter (Lynwood); six grandchildren; Christina Crowe, Darren Crosland, Lee Pitt, Malinda Hafner, Durham Scott Blair and Emily Grace Blair; and great-granddaughters, Reagen Crosland, Bryce Crosland and Caroline Pitt.

A graveside service will be held 2 o'clock Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Salem Presbyterian Church, 276 State Highway 215N, Blair, S.C. with The Rev. Richard Hodges officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Fellowship Building. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.