Coach Kenny Blair, a former Philadelphia Eagles player, who was popularly known as Black Santa has passed away on March 17, 2024.
Kenny Blair, a resident of Oklahoma passed away suddenly, leaving his friends and family in disbelief. His legacy as a Santa Claus and his contributions to his community will forever be remembered and cherished. Read on to know more about his death in detail.
Kenny Blair passed away:
Kenny Blair aka Black Santa/ Santa Blair passed away suddenly on March 17, 2024, leaving the people of Oklahoma in a deep sorrow.
He also served as a football and basket ball coach. He was a man from Oklahoma who changed the people’s perceptions of Santa around the country.
Kenny’s death news was announced by one of his friends, Andre’ M. Francisco on social media and the statement reads,
I am deeply saddened to hear that my old friend Kenny Blair passed away. He and I became good friends at Taft Junior High in the 7th grade. We were good students, but let’s say we were mischievous young boys. During our HS years, I’d run into him weekly at McDonald’s on Friday nights after football games. I watched him matriculate through the University of Missouri, and the NFL. (Even though I HATED the Eagles)
As adults we both were in education… still keeping in touch. He even taught my son Addam M. Francisco at Northeast.
RIP, old friend. I love you and I miss you already.
Who was Kenny Blair?
Kenny was popularly known as Santa Blair. He enjoyed visiting the communities in the role of Black Santa. Santa Blair shared his experience, saying that it is important for children and people of all ages to see someone who reflects them.
Traditional red and white suits are not worn by Santa Blair. Every year, he collaborates with a seamstress to create unique, themed Santa suits.
Kenny was also a well-known coach for Oklahoma school students. Having graduated from Classen SAS High School, he applied the lessons he had learned on his circuitous path through the University of Missouri, the NFL, the USFL.
Coach Kenny also provided athletic training for some of the top athletes in the world. He played for the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals after being a part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ 1981 Super Bowl debut.
Kenny also trained Shaq, Ray Lewis, Tiger Woods, and the 1996 Dream Team at the Disney Institute in Florida. He was the football coach and a teacher at Southeast High School.
‘Black Santa’:
Kenny Blair has enjoyed traveling the nation, bringing a distinctive warm touch to the classic Santa experience. For a lot of people, meeting a Black Santa is a unique experience.
Blair shared that a lot of people have never had any interaction with Santa Claus who resembles him. He embraces the opportunity to represent a diverse audience and takes great pride in his role.
Santa Blair attended the holiday lighting ceremony in Tullahassee, Oklahoma’s oldest all-Black town. Blair gives brief accounts of his hectic Christmas season, which included visits to Birmingham, Baltimore, and New York City.
Kenny Blair cause of death:
Kenny Blair passed away suddenly from heart attack on March 17, 2024. Condolences have poured in from all over the neighborhood. Many people have expressed their sympathies and offered support to Blair’s loved ones on social media during this difficult period.
Blair was an remarkable individual whose grace, kindness, and talent left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Black Santa leaves behind a legacy that transcends time and borders. Though he may no longer grace our chimneys with his jolly presence, his spirit lives on in the laughter of children, the warmth of family gatherings, and the joy of giving.
In honor of Black Santa’s memory, let us continue his legacy of spreading kindness and goodwill to all. As we cherish the memories of Christmases past, may we carry forward his message of love and generosity in our hearts.
Tributes to Black Santa:
Colisa Pugh wrote,
When I say my feelings are hurt lord this is unbelievable Coach Kenny Blair was one of a kind definitely my favorite part of when
I had to move to OKC he made my time at Northwest Classen one to remember prayers for his family this is just so heartbreaking
Laay Hill posted,
To The Kenny Blair :
Thanks for being the Best coach, the Best Santa, the Best leader ! You know my heart is crushed. As I type this now im broken completely. YOU ARE FOREVER A VIKING IN MY HEART. I love you forever
Rest on king … Love you. See you. Bye
Montoya Graves posted,
Some calls you just don’t expect to get and this is one of them. Coach Kenny Blair to some, Santa Blair to others. He was both to me as well as a client, a client that believed I could make any of his ideas come to life. He had a Santa suit for every holiday, theme and more.. I am grateful that I had the privilege to work with him. Lord willing we’ll continue to make some of his other ideas a reality.. You’ll be missed at Takeoff Digital Media!!!
Lakesha Martin stated,
Rip coach Kenny Blair
Carla Hinton wrote,
Santa Blair aka Coach Kenny Blair was one of a kind! Just hearing the news about his passing. My heart goes out to his family. He touched so many lives and brought joy to so many people. May he rest in peace.
