Mr. Eugene "Papa Guitar-Man" Blair

On May 9, 2025, Eugene "Papa/Guitar-Man" Blair received his Heavenly Wings at the age of 76. While his passing brings sorrow, we find peace knowing he is now with his Heavenly Father. Eugene was a joyful and loving soul whose legacy endures in the hearts of all who knew him. Born on July 3, 1948, in Newellton, Louisiana, Eugene was the cherished son of Percy Blair and Rosie Lee Johnson. He graduated from Joseph Moore Davidson High School in St. Joseph, Louisiana, in 1967. Later, he moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where he began a long and dedicated career with General Motors Corporation until his retirement. Beyond work, Eugene's life was rich with family, friendship, and music. He found joy in fishing, watching old movies and westerns, cheering on his favorite sports teams, sharing his musical gifts, and he loved the Lord and going to church. A devoted member of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, he served faithfully in the male choir and as a musician. Eugene also played music independently with his brothers and fellow musicians. Eugene leaves in God’s care, his loving, devoted and fussing wife of 43 years Michelle Blair; seven children, Shelona (Jerome) Wilson, Devondrae Blair, Tenesha (Devontae) Marselis, Eugenia Blair of Saginaw, MI, Latoya Blair of Memphis, TN, and Shanesha Blair of South Korea; Terrence Carter of Tallulah, LA; six grandchildren, Aariona and Shariona Smith, Jaliyah Brown, Ja'Quan Perry, Ja'Nya Moore, and Levi Marselis. Two great-grandchildren: Saraeya Brown, and Sa'Mani Frazier; one sister: Annie Blair of Delhi, LA. Five brothers: Willie(LaRonda) Blair of Houston, TX, Freddie (Connie) Blair of Monroe, LA, James Moore Blair of Dallas, TX, and Jimmy (Joretha) Blair of Tallulah, LA; Special Mother-in-law: Moselle Reed, and Alma Johnson who was like a mother to him. Two sister-in-laws: Jann Blair of Monroe, LA, Cynthia Tillman and Brenda Johnson of Saginaw, MI. Four brother-in-laws: Pastor Ernest (Tammy) Reed, Minister Kenneth (Tyrhonda) Reed of Saginaw, MI, Maurice Reed of Mount Pleasant, MI, and Demarcus Reed. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who he loved dearly; special friends: Clinton Tolson of Los Vegas, NV, Curtis Helton of Danville, IL, Arthur Layton Jr of Toledo, OH, Chris Jackson of Los Angeles, CA, Charles Thompson, Eric Stephenson, Katie Beecham, and Deacon James Donald of Saginaw, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy Blair and Rosie Lee Johnson; one sister, Willie Mae "Peaches" Walker; and two brother, Isaac "Ray" Blair and James "Billy" Johnson, father-in law Willie Reed Jr. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to UofM Hospital , Covenant Visiting Nurse Association, Brian's House, Radiation Oncology Team, Dr. Lou, Dr. Chaudhry, Dr. Payne, and Nurse Theresa, Pastor Robert Corley Jr., Prince of Peace Church family, and Pastor Murray Culberson, Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church for their compassionate care. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025 at Prince of Peace Baptist Church, 725 N. 24th St., Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. Robert B. Corley Jr., Pastor and Pastor Murry Culberson will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place on Thursday at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Eugene "Papa Guitar-Man" Blair

July 3, 1948 - May 9, 2025