Blair loved poetry and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "A Psalm of Life" was one of his favorites. Indeed, it was his mantra, and his life is reflected beautifully in its words. This is what his heart speaks, even in death.

For DeLacy Blair Chavis, Sr., life was not an empty dream but the fulfillment of a dream. He lived out his dream in a life of love and service to others and in accordance with the commands of His Savior to help feed, clothe, visit, and comfort others.

DeLacy Blair Chavis, Sr. was born to James Roy Chavis and Viola Torrence Foust Chavis on March 8, 1927 in Gibsonville, North Carolina, the third of eight children. He transitioned from life to eternity on September 3, 2019 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. From his birth, Blair discovered that life was real, filled with its joys and sorrows, its hard knocks and triumphs. However, he never let setbacks get the best of him, and he had a way of turning life's most bitter circumstances into pleasant ones.

To ensure better tomorrows that would take him farther than his present day, Blair attended Gibsonville Colored School and graduated. He realized the value of education and knew that his would help ensure a brighter future for the life that awaited him. His education benefited him both while in the U. S. Navy and in his employment. Blair entered the United States Navy in 1945 and served honorably for two years, leaving in 1947, thus honoring his commitment to serve this nation.  For many years, he was an employee of Lorillard Tobacco Company, where he achieved the status of Superintendent of the Service Department for the third shift. For many, working at night would have been unpleasant and intolerable; for Blair, it was just what he wanted. He loved working at night, where he was able to provide for his family and contribute to the company for which he worked.

He realized that life was not only enjoyment, but also sorrow, neither of which he believed was his destiny. Instead, he worked daily to ensure that the coming tomorrow would put him farther along life's journey than where he was presently.  Blair demonstrated this through a life of service to his church and community. Blair lived his faith through his service to his church and others in the community. At his beloved United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, where he became a member of in 1978, Blair served on the Finance Committee, was a member of United Men, served on the Building Committee, the General Fellowship Club, the Special Needs Ministry, the Courtesy Patrol, and was in so many ways the "Jack of all trades" for the church. He could be called on at any time, and he always responded affirmatively and cheerfully. He delivered Meals on Wheels and frozen foods for Senior Services of Winston-Salem for over 20 years.

He was a hero in the strife. Blair was a person who was full of life. He had no time for pity – for himself or otherwise. He believed that life was to be lived and lived abundantly. This helps explain his humor, his stories, his poetry, which he delivered with great enthusiasm to anyone who would listen. He trusted not in the future, however pleasant it appeared to be, but he worked with great assurance and faith that God would take care of him, regardless of what the future held for him. Although his final days did not afford him the physical strength that characterized most of his life, he demonstrated great faith, great hope, and a profound belief that the God whom he loved would welcome him home.

Blair's life of love is reflected through the various seasons of his life. In his early adulthood, he was married to the late Mable Elizabeth Cobb. To that union, three children were born. On December 30, 1978, Blair was united in marriage to Katherine R. Williams, and they became parents to Lauren, clearly the apple of his eye and his heart's beat. Blair was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, and his daughter, Paula A. Chavis. Among those who cherish his memory and who were recipients of his abiding love are his devoted wife of 40 years, Katherine Chavis; three children, DeLacy Blair Chavis, Jr. of Greensboro, NC; Glenda D. Chavis of Greensboro, NC; and Lauren M. Chavis of Kernersville, NC; his sister, Montrose Mosley (Thomas) of Los Angeles, California; four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He is best described in the words from a beloved nephew: "To all who knew him, Blair was consummately gracious and kind. He sought out ways of displaying heartfelt generosity to those in need. Often these kindnesses were unknown to others, nor were they heralded.  They were simply expressions of love from a man of great empathy."

Memorial services will be held at 12:00noon Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Alvin T. Armstead, Jr. officiating. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12:00noon on Tuesday at the Church.