Born September 8, 1941 in Gloversville, he was a son of the late Albert C. and Ruth (Tunnicliff) Lair.

Mr. Lair was a member of Gettysburg Bible Baptist Church and formerly a member of the First Baptist Church of Johnstown, NY. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Lair was self-employed throughout most of his career as a painter. He later painted submarines while employed at a government agency in West Milton, NY.

Mr. Lair was a sportsman who loved hunting and fishing, especially in the Adirondacks. He also enjoyed collecting vintage guns, knives, and cameras. An avid reader, Mr. Lair was fond of literature, history books, and poetry. He will be remembered as a devout Christian and humble man.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are four daughters, Cathleen J. Manchester and husband Fred of Gloversville, Erin L. Pettit and husband Ronald J. Pettit, Jr. of Ft. Plain, NY, Rebecca Pettit and husband Mark of Johnstown, NY, and Victoria R.M. Mitchel and husband Jeremiah of Gettysburg; two brothers, Robert Lair of Gloversville, and Albert G. Lair of Broadalbin, NY; eleven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Mr. Lair's life will be held 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2009 at Gettysburg Bible Baptist Church, 3003 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, with Pastor David Mitchel officiating. A private graveside service will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA.

The Peters Funeral Home, 321 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, is in charge of arrangements.

For those desiring, contributions may be made in Mr. Lair's memory to Gettysburg Bible Baptist Church, 3003 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

To share memories of Mr. Lair, please click on "Sign Guest Book" above.

A video tribute celebrating Mr. Lair's life can be viewed by clicking the link below, then click the photo to play the tribute video. (Special Note: If you have firewall protection installed on your computer, it must be disabled in order to play the tribute.  Macintosh systems need Windows to use the tribute viewer).

William C. Lair memorial video