William Fair

William N. Fair, Jr., son of the late William N. Fair, Sr. and the late Estelle (McQuarters) Fair, was born on August 20, 1924 in Winnsboro, South Carolina. He was the oldest of ten children. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Emanuel, Purnell and Samuel, and a sister, Verdella Byrd. William received his education in the public schools of Baltimore City, entering the United States Army just before his senior graduation from the Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Class of 1943.Willie or Willie Norman, as he was fondly called by his siblings and friends, was an avid sportsman in high school and in the Armed Services where his accomplishments as an Athletic Supervisor in the States and abroad were documented in awards and certificates. He spent more than twenty years in the service-four years in the U.S. Army and eighteen years in the Air Force, serving in Word War II and Korean Conflict. As a civilian, between military tours, he worked in the athletic programs at the Chick Webb Center. After retiring from the military he worked as a building inspector for Baltimore City and for the Smelkinson Corporation. Willie met and married the late Irene Constance Givens and through this union was born one son, William, and his uniting with two stepdaughters, Betty Lou and Beverly. The marriage ended in divorce. In later years, he met and married the former Laverne Gaither, uniting him with a stepson, Pete.As a youngster, Willie attended the Faith Baptist Church and joined the Christian Army when he committed his life to Jesus Christ. He united with the fellowship of the Israel Baptist Church and was baptized on March 31, 1972 under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Edmond D. Meade, Sr. He sang on the Senior Choir, served as Trustee, taught Sunday school and worked with youth of the Baptist Training Union (B.T.U.), until his health would not allow him to attend. After the church’s addition of a disabled accessible ramp, Willie was able to return to worship and on March 3, 1985, he was restored to the fellowship of Israel under the leadership of Rev. Harlie Walden Wilson, II, attending faithfully until his health, again, prohibited him to attend. Willie was a very loving and patient person who rarely complained. Always mentoring and telling stories of his many, many travels and experiences, he often encouraged the youth in the family to explore broader horizons without fear.On February 4, 2005, after a lengthy illness, God called Willie Norman home from his earthly labor to heavenly reward. He will truly be missed by all who loved and knew him. William leaves to cherish his memory, one son, William, III; one devoted brother, Nathaniel; four caring sisters, Mary Fair, Naomi Harvell, Juanita Fair and Larinea Trusty; one aunt, Mary Mathias; many loving nieces, nephews and cousins; a loving and devoted stepdaughter, Beverly Reid; a faithful caregiver, Mrs. Claudia Fleming, and many, many close friends.

Tributes

William Fair

August 20, 1924 - February 4, 2005