Emeritus Pastor Richard H. Fair

Harpersville, Alabama - Pastor Richard H. Fair, the beloved patriarch of the Fair family, a loving and devoted husband, father, “Daddy,” granddaddy, Papa, Uncle Jack, and Uncle Richard, was the esteemed Pastor Emeritus of Saint Campbell Missionary Baptist Church of Alpine, Alabama, and Moderator Emeritus of the Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist District Association.

The late Willie G. Fair and Lillie Mae Cannon Fair welcomed their handsome son, Richard, on May 15, 1935, in Vincent, Alabama. He was one of twelve children, all of whom preceded him in death.

Raised in a Christian home, Pastor Fair was taught early to love God and obey His Word. As his faith matured, he joined and was baptized at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Harpersville, Alabama. He often testified of being baptized by the Holy Ghost in the field with his brother Willie, while singing and praising God. Pastor Fair was a man of unwavering faith, passionately believing and trusting in the Word of God.

He was educated in the Shelby County School System, and, as he would often say, further taught by the anointing of the Holy Ghost (1 John 2:27).

Richard married and rejoiced with the wife of his youth, Catherine Beavers Fair, whom he loved deeply. Beauty, being in the eyes of the beholder, he knew he had the prettiest wife of all. Even in her later years, he still saw her beauty. To him, she was the best cook, the smartest, and the strongest wife—through good times and bad, happy, and sad. They entered their 70th year of marriage before death separated them. Pastor Fair was a diligent worker and faithful provider, retiring from the Alabama Power Steam Plant after more than 31 years of dedicated service.

A man of humility with a servant’s heart, he faithfully served Mount Olive Baptist Church as Youth Choir President, Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, and Church Treasurer. After accepting his call into the ministry, he was soon called to pastor Saint Campbell Missionary Baptist Church in Alpine, Alabama. Pastor Fair shepherded his flock with humility and faithfulness, leading by both precept and example, earning the love and deep respect of his church family. He was actively involved in the Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Association, serving faithfully as Moderator.

Pastor Fair was also an active member of Anchor Lodge #821, where he served for many years as Treasurer. After 34 years of devoted pastoral service, he retired as Pastor of Saint Campbell Missionary Baptist Church, and he was honorably bestowed the titles of Pastor Emeritus and Moderator Emeritus.

On February 8, 2026, Pastor Fair answered the Master’s call at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, with his wife— “the greatest nurse in the world”—faithfully by his side, just as he would have wanted.

He was preceded in death by his parents; all his siblings; his beloved daughter, Jacquelyn Fair Abrams; his great-grandson, Jaden Jones; many nieces and nephews; and an incredibly special nephew, Marvin, who was dear to his heart.

Pastor Fair was the last serving member of the Shelby County Travelers. He and his brother Willie were well known for their signature song, “I Can See So Much That the Lord Has Done for Me.”

His life and cherished memories will forever be treasured by his loving wife, Catherine Fair (his Cat, his Kitty, the best nurse in the world) of Harpersville, Alabama; daughter, Rounie (Danny) Conyers of Durham, NC; sons, Minister James Cason of Atlanta, GA, and Cedric (Michelle) Looney of Dallas, TX; along with many others he loved as sons and daughters. He also leaves cherished memories with a host of grandchildren, including Jennifer A. Williams and Brandon Abrams, who were amongst his devoted caregivers; nieces Mary Threatt, Phyllis Fair, and Cynthia Fair; nephew Jerry Fair; Goddaughters Beverly and Adria Johnson; great-grandsons Dillon Plump and Darren Hale; great-granddaughters Jenise Atkins, Alaina & Emery Abrams; and a special bond with his great-grandson Jamari Atkins, whom he helped raise. He also fondly cherished Ammar and Brittany Stackfield, whose Thanksgiving visits throughout their childhood brought him great joy.

Celebration of life for Pastor Richard H. Fair, age 90, will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 1:00PM at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Harpersville, Alabama.  Reverend Clarence C. Carter, Eulogist.  Interment will commence in the Harpersville Memorial Cemetery, Harpersville, Alabama.  Public Viewing will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 1:00PM to 7:00PM, family hour, 5:00PM to 7:00PMat Community Funeral Home.

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