ELITE NEWSPAPER FOUNDER WILLIAM “BILL” BLAIR JR.’S LEGACY WILL LIVE FOREVER

The legendary humanitarian and business owner, William “Bill” Blair Jr., came into this life on October 17, 1921 in Dallas, Texas. He was the younger of two children born to Cora and William Blair Sr. His older sister, Susie Mae, was his closest friend. A gifted athlete and student, Mr. Blair was graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1939. Until the very moment that God called him to his eternal rest, he remained a founding member of the Booker T Washington Alumni Association of Dallas.

After completing high school, Mr. Blair enrolled in Prairie View A&M University. He then enlisted in the United States Army on the eve of World War II. A disciplined and exemplary soldier, he became the youngest 1st sergeant in our country’s armed services. While in the military, Mr. Blair married his high school sweetheart, Mozelle Jordan. He was honorably discharged from the Army on September 30, 1945.

In 1946, Mr. Blair became a leading pitcher in the Negro Baseball League, playing for the famed Indianapolis Clowns, Birmingham Barons and a number of other teams. A hard-throwing left hander and at the encouragement of Satchel Page, Mr. Blair developed a pitcher named “12 to 6” that suddenly dropped to the knees of players when it reached home plate.

His pitching baffled players and he won the admiration of fellow Negro League Players such as Buck O’Neal, Satchel Paige, Cool “Papa” Bell, Jesse “Hoss” Walker, Buster Haywood and Winfield Welch. His baseball career included pitching a no hitter, and he was once considered by a white major league team. Mr. Blair’s baseball career came to an end in 1951 when his over-worked pitching arm failed him.

Because of his accomplishments on and off of the field, Mr. Blair was inducted into the Negro League Baseball Museum and was associated with the Negro Baseball Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in the development of the African-American Museum’s Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and served on the Board of Governors of the Negro League Baseball. In 2008, Mr. Blair was symbolically drafted by the Houston Astros baseball team.

Mr. Blair started the Southwest Sports News which published the results of sporting events by African-American college teams throughout the United States. In 1951 the Southwest Sports News was renamed the Highlight News. Nine years later the publication’s name was changed to the Elite Newspaper. A family owned publication, The Elite News quickly became the major print publication where churches, elected officials and social activists were able to present their messages to the community.

Mr. Blair was not content with simply publishing a newspaper. Desiring to recognize celebrated members of the community, he established The Elite News Awards Night, annually recognizing members of the community who had made significant social contributions. He also established the Elite News Religious Hall of Fame, inducting ministers of great distinction.

Throughout his life Mr. Blair worked with some of the major civil rights leaders in North Texas. He aided a numerous victorious politicians’ aspirants, among them Senators, mayors, members of the city council and state legislature. Recognizing the need to memorialize the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mr. Blair began a program in 1986 to honor the legendary civil rights leader. Called the “People’s Parade, the annual Martin Luther King Jr Parade and Festival is a tribute to Dr. King and has become one of the largest parades in the country. It is attracting crowds as large as 250,000 people. The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Festival, at Mr. Blair’s insistence, is held on the same day that the nation celebrates the life of Dr. King.

For many years, tributes to Mr. Blair have occurred across the country because of his many civic contributions. Two years ago, the city of Dallas renamed Rochester Park in east Dallas the William Blair, Jr. Park. An annual Easter egg hunt and back to school Backpack for children are held there.

Two years ago, recognizing the need for his work to live beyond his years, Mr. Blair donated some of personal works and papers to the University of Texas at Arlington. This gift was made to the university to enable researchers and students to study the life of Mr. Blair in decades and centuries to come.

Mr. Blair was preceded in death by his sister, Susie Mae Cullor; sons William “Sandy” Blair III, Jordan “Randy” Blair; daughter-in-law Barbara Blair and son-in-law, David Lynch.

He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 71 years, Mozelle J. Blair; mother-in-law “Mama” Lillian Jordan; children, Debra Abron Blair (Vernon), Michelle Gilstrap (Paul), Robert Blair, Terri Lynch, Darryl Blair, Sr. (Lorie); daughters-in-law Brenda Blair and Muriel Rahn Hatcher; adoptive sons Albert Britton and Mark Jones, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; beloved Aunt DeDe “Regina Farr Ross” and a multitude of other relatives.

“Once a task has begun never stop until it is done. Be the labor great or small, do it right or not at all.” Mr. Blair departed this life on Easter Morning to join our Father in Heaven. His tasks on earth, great and small are all complete and now his task in heaven have just begun. The people who loved him bid him farewell by saying: Sleep well sweet prince. You have served us well!
Memorial, Funeral Service Information

Thursday, April 24
Lying in State from
noon – 5 p.m.
The Hall of State at Fair Park
3939 Grand Avenue, Dallas

Thursday, April 24
Memorial Service at 7 p.m.
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
444 West Ledbetter Drive, Dallas

Friday, April 25
Funeral Service at 11 a.m.
Concord Church
6808 Pastor Bailey Drive, Dallas