9 Crittenden Blair

Crittenden Blair was born Crittenden D. Blair in Fleming County, Kentucky, on August 21, 1908, to Harrison “Harry” Crittenden Blair and Ida M. Harvin Blair. Raised in the Ewing area, the 6-foot-2 forward remained close to his northeastern Kentucky roots throughout much of his life.

Blair earned a varsity letter at Kentucky while playing for Adolph Rupp during the formative opening years of the legendary coach’s tenure. As a senior during the 1933–34 season, he filled a supporting role for a program rapidly developing into a regional power. Although he was not one of the Wildcats’ stars, Blair belonged to the generation of disciplined, team-oriented players who helped establish the standards upon which Rupp built Kentucky basketball.

Blair graduated from the University of Kentucky on May 6, 1934, with a bachelor of arts degree in education and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He later served his country during World War II, commanding the 536th Quartermaster Group in England, France, and Germany. After leaving active duty in 1945, he continued in the Army Reserve and eventually attained the rank of colonel.

After graduating from the University of Louisville College of Dentistry in 1950, Dr. Blair practiced dentistry in Flemingsburg for 27 years. He also became an influential civic leader, helping bring new manufacturing employers to the community and serving for 22 years as chairman of the Fleming County Board of Education. Blair died in Flemingsburg on May 6, 1994, at age 85, leaving a legacy of service that extended far beyond his time in a Kentucky uniform.