Remembering Wendell “Tank” Charles Blair, Sr.

Wendell Blair Sr., warmly known as “Tank” by those in the community, was a pillar of success and mentorship for Black youth and the Southside neighborhood. His strength and demeanor were well known to a community he spent his life serving.

“He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him for it,” said his widow, Patricia Blair. “You could ask him for anything and he would give it to you. Sometimes people wouldn’t have money to fix their cars and he’d fix them anyway. He didn’t care. He just wanted to help people.” 

Wendell “Tank” Blair, Sr., Obituary:

On September 29, 1949, Wendell Blair, Sr. was born to William Clarence Blair and Ida Lou Blair Brewton. Wendell departed this life Monday, May 23, 2022, at his home.

He was known to many as "Tank." Wendell was a pillar within the community, who was the proud owner of Tanks Automotive and Detailing for 35 years. He mentored many young men within the community, enjoyed riding his Harley, weightlifting, and was a Western North Carolina Reid Barbell Club member. Along with being an excellent mentor and mechanic, he was the most loving son, brother, husband, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Wendell was preceded in death by his father William Clarence Blair, brother Alfred Blair, and grandson Keith Blair, Jr.

Tank is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia Blair, mother Ida Lou Blair Brewton, five sons, Keith Blair, Wendell "Skip" Blair Jr., Clarence Blair, Dean Roberts, and Marcus Fullwood, all of Asheville, daughter Selena Jones of Winston-Salem, adopted son Aaron Griffin of Asheville, brothers Ronald Blair, Thomas Blair (Patricia), and Lonnie Blair (Denise), all of Asheville, sister Gladys Taylor of Asheville, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.