William Blazer

Obituary of William Robert Blazer

William Robert Blazer, 83, of Kingsport entered peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 5, 2018. Bob was born June 16, 1935, in Lima, OH, to the late Haskell Rue and Mary Louise Blazer. Bob loved his family fiercely, never knew a stranger, and his 1964 ½ Mustang convertible was his pride and joy. After graduating from Greeneville High School in 1952 and attending East Tennessee State College, Bob joined the U.S Air Force in 1954, and was commissioned as an officer through the Aviation Cadets. He retired as a major after 20 years in the Strategic Air Command as a navigator on KC-97 and KC-135 refueling aircraft. Bob was a Vietnam Veteran and had multiple deployments to Southeast Asia and Europe. His gift of gab later found Bob in sales positions with Lancaster Associates in Johnson City and Office Furniture Outfitters in Knoxville. His zest for life and love of people led Bob to volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Kitchen of Hope, and the Washington County Parole Board. Bob was also a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Mountain Empire Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

He was preceded in death by his big sister, Mary Lee Blazer Briggs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Bonnie Couse Blazer; children, William Scott Blazer (Karen) and Diana Blazer Redd (Steve), both of Knoxville, and Julie Blazer Holt (Jeff) of Blountville; seven grandchildren, Ryan Blazer (Luis), Tyler Blazer (Dan Wood), Christen Holt (Austin), Shannon Holt (Thatcher), Wesley Blazer Holt, Aaron Jae Redd and Kate Shin Redd; two great-grandsons, Solomon Holt and Bruno Mascorro Blazer, and a great-granddaughter due in December; his younger sister, Carol Blazer Sexton; along with many special nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Cassidy United Methodist Church, 5801 Memorial Blvd. Kingsport, TN 37664.

A celebration of Life service will follow at the church with Corey Feagins officiating. Music will be provided by Cassidy United Methodist Church Choir.

A military graveside service will be held at 1:45 pm on Monday, September 10, 2018 at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Mountain Home, TN with honors conducted by American Legion Hammond Post 3/265. Pallbearers will be the Military Color Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be his sons-in-law and grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cassidy United Methodist Church (Backpack Ministries), Make-A-Wish, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful nursing and Amedisys Hospice Staff at Wilcox Hall for their gift of compassion and caring during Bob’s last days.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Kingsport is serving the Blazer family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Blazer, please visit Tribute Store
Sunday
9
September

Visitation

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Cassidy United Methodist Church
5801 Memorial Blvd
Kingsport, Tennessee, United States
Sunday
9
September

Celebration of Life

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Sunday, September 9, 2018
Cassidy United Methodist Church
5801 Memorial Blvd.
Kingpsort, Tennessee, United States
Monday
10
September

Military Graveside Service

1:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Monday, September 10, 2018
Moutain Home National Cemetery
Mountain Home
Mountain Home, Tennessee, United States
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