Wray Marvin Blair

Wray Marvin Blair, 94, of Frostburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 at home, surrounded by his family. 

Born February 5, 1932 in Midland, he was the son of the late John Archibald Blair and Virginia (Walbert) Blair. He grew up with his four brothers and sister on Paradise Street, where his easygoing nature and innate selflessness earned him the lifelong nickname "Buddy." He graduated from Beall High School in 1950 and served two years in the Army, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After returning from service, he received his teaching degree from Frostburg State Teachers College and later a master's degree from West Virginia University. 

He married Maxine Nolan on August 18th, 1957, and set down roots with his family in Frostburg. He taught eighth-grade English for 30 years in the Allegany County Public School System, first at Allegany Junior High School, then at Braddock Middle School after its opening in 1965. He was an expert on grammar, and many of his students, though frustrated with his exacting teaching at the time, credited him later with helping improve their writing skills in college and beyond. Along with teaching, he also served as president of the Frostburg State Alumni Association, coached many of his children's sports teams, and was a longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Frostburg. 

He retired in 1987, after which he enjoyed reading (especially history), doting on his grandchildren, Thursday night bowling at Sherwood Lanes, gardening, Pirates baseball, Maryland basketball, and watching the world go by from his Florida room. He was a gentle spirit. Always quick with an old story (many told more than once), it was a joy to be in his presence. Unfailingly kind to everyone around him and generous in word and deed, his was, truly, a life lived in service to others. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Stuart and Richard "Dick" Blair, a sister, Jane Kroll, and his daughter-in-law, Linda Fulton Blair. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maxine (Nolan) Blair; his daughter, Danita Sciuk and husband Kevin Sciuk, New Kent, VA; his son, Wray Blair, Frostburg; two brothers, Don Blair, Mount Airy, MD, and John Blair, Murrells Inlet, SC; two grandsons, Tim Blair and wife Katie, Kearneysville, WV, and Daniel Blair, Bel Air, MD, and many nieces and nephews. 

Friends will be received at Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Avenue, Frostburg on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow on Friday, August 28th, 2026, at Durst Funeral Home, starting at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Seth Wharton officiating. The family would like to thank Seniors Fix and UPMC Western Maryland Home Hospice for the love and care they provided to Wray. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 34 W Main St, Frostburg, MD.