Doris Rae Blair, Russell County, KY (1939-2024)

Doris Rae (Smith) Barnes Blair, age 84, passed away at her home in Russell Springs, Ky on May 6, 2024.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and worked many years as a seamstress at Russell Sportswear in Russell Springs. Upon its closing, she then was employed at the Stephens Pipe and Steel Company, which was housed at the former Russell Sportswear Building. She enjoyed shopping trips with her sisters and niece Beverly (Bootie) Smith, gardening with her husband Billy, and flowers, flowers, flowers.

She is survived by one son, William Todd (Kerri) Barnes of Russell Springs; three grandchildren, Samantha (Izzy) Gonzalez of Liberty, KY, Tiffani (Brian) Campbell of Campbellsville, KY, and Rebecca (Benjamen) Duncan of Corbin KY. Six great-grandchildren also survive, Jaelynn and Braedyn Popplewell and Kaydence Gonzalez of Liberty, KY; Joshua Todd, Alexandria Dawn, and Elijah Brian Campbell, all of Campbellsville, KY. One brother, Charles M. (Jonell) Smith, two sisters-in-law, Norma Smith, and Patti Smith all of Russell Springs; three stepsons, Dan (Tammy) Blair of Norwood, Ohio, Ron Blair of Richmond, KY; Rick Blair of Nashville, TN and a host of nieces and nephews.

Born Doris Rae Smith on August 2nd, 1939, to parents Lonzo Lee and Maggie Smith of Eli, KY, she was the sixth of nine children. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as husband of forty-two years, William A. (Billy) Barnes, Owner/Operator of Russell Springs Milling Co and husband, Navy Veteran Paul Blair, both of Russell Springs. Several siblings also preceded her in death. Calvin (Edith) Smith of Norwood, Ohio, Glenna (J.C.) Bean of Russell Springs, KY, Anna (Harold) Norman of Eli, KY; Ethel (Bill) Trammell of Liberty, KY; Marie (Jimmy) Sparks of Columbia, KY; Lonzo "Lee" Smith of Russell Springs and Jeffrey Smith, of Russell Springs.

Funeral services are 2pmCT on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Brother Joe Sullivan and Brother Carroll Egnew officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Springs City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 until the time of services on Friday.

Pallbearers are Jonathan Smith, Ryan Smith, Jason Smith, Josh Smith, Jackson Smith, and Colby Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations of sympathy be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland, 100 Parkway Drive, Somerset, KY 42503. Donations can also be made at the funeral home.

This story was posted on 2024-05-09 10:30:32.
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