Ernest Joseph Lair, 74, of Florence, SC, passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022.  He was born in Medford, Wisconsin to the late Ernest David and Loretta Pankratz Lair.  Mr. Lair was proud to have served his country in the US Air Force.  After his military service he earned his Master's Degree and was a professor at Florence-Darlington Technical College and Williamsburg Technical College.    He was a member of the History Fraternity at Francis Marion University.  He played semi-professional football in Chicago with the Burwin Barrons and he played football in the military as well.  Mr. Lair always considered his greatest accomplishment was marrying his wife, Martha.  He enjoyed gardening and was considered a jack of all trades.

Surviving is his wife, Martha McGregor Lair; son, Derek Lair; daughter, Shauna Lair; and a brother, Harold Lair.

A graveside service with military honors, directed by Cain Calcutt Funeral Home, will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Florence National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Cain Calcutt Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.