Joseph Ronald "Ron" Blair, Sr., age 78 of New Hope, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2023, at his home, with his family by his side.  He was born May 18, 1944 in Nelson County.  He was a retired plant manager of Kentucky Cooperage in Lebanon with 40 years of service.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He enjoyed horseback riding.  He loved old country music, playing his guitar and singing.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Mae Calhoun Blair; his parents, Joseph Larry Blair and Mary Lavon Blair-Mattingly; his stepmother, Mary Wilson; three brothers, Joseph Daniel Mattingly, William Marion "Hose" Mattingly and Leon Mattingly.

Survivors include two daughters, Frankie Clark of New Hope and Kim Blair of Bardstown; one son, Jody Blair of New Hope; six grandchildren, Kayla Blair, Trey Blair, Jody Walters, Emalee Hahn, Kamyn Brien and Ashton Blair; one great-granddaughter, Kendall McCandless; 14 siblings, Jackie Mattingly (Jeanie), George Dewayne Mattingly (Sandy), Brenda Herbst, Eddie Blair, Allen Blair, Sharon Probus, Phyllis Blair, Karen Ray, Diane Siebel (Bob), Kim Reed, Trish Blair, David Blair, Ronald Blair and Larry Joe Blair.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 am Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto.  Rev. Deacon Joseph R. Dant will officiate.  Interment will follow in Saint Vincent de Paul Cemetery in New Hope.

The visitation will be 3-8 pm Wednesday at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto.

Pallbearers are Tony Blair, Jody Walters, Trey Blair, Ashton Blair, Greg Mattingly and Daniel Mattingly.