Bill Pair
On Monday night, July 19th, 2004, the Jaguar Car Club of North Florida lost charter member and dear friend, Bill Pair, after a long illness. Bill's positive attitude and concern for others throughout his illness was an inspiration to us all. At Bill's funeral on Thursday, there was a long procession of friends in cars, many in impressive Jaguar automobiles, lined up to show their respect for Bill; a fitting tribute to a man who got such great pleasure from his beautiful red Jaguar E Type.
Although Bill's E Type was one of the finest examples you will ever see, Bill believed that classic cars are to be driven and enjoyed, not hidden in a garage or trailer. Bill and Darlene thought nothing of driving the E Type to far away classic car shows and as a result, made friends throughout the Southeast. Bill was definitely JCCNF's greatest ambassador.
Bill spent much of the last year helping plan for the Legends on the Green Car Show which was a huge success. In fact, it was Bill that picked the name of the show and the charity, the Shriner's Children's Burn Centers. No matter how he was feeling, Bill could always find a reason to smile or laugh at committee meetings, which was did a lot to relieve stress and keep us on track.
By the time of the big show in April, Bill had been through a major operation and was in the middle of chemotherapy. Although very weak, he insisted on playing a critical role on the day of the show. I suspect he knew this could be his last show with the club, so he was bound and determined that this would be a show to remember, which it was. Thanks for everything Bill.
Bill, you were one class act. We are sure going to miss you!
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The following is part of Bill's Obituary from the Florida Times Union:
William B. Pair, Jr., 72, born in Bessemer, Alabama passed away July 19, 2004. He retired from IBM after 30 years of service and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the USAF. He was a member of the Jaguar Car Club of North America, Jaguar Car Club of North Florida and First Coast Car Council. Bill is survived by his wife, Darlene F. Pair; son, Michael S. Pair of Lexington, SC; daughter, Michelle P. Maze and her husband Steven A. Maze of Garner, NC; brother, John W. Conner and his wife, Terri of Melbourne, FL; 5 grandchildren, Daniel, Steven & Matthew Fitzgerald and David & Shelby Pair. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 22, 2004 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS MANDARIN FUNERAL HOME, 11801 San Jose Blvd. with the Rev. Dr. Robert C. Corbett officiating. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery. Donations may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with Darlene and Bill's family.
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