Fred E. Blalock

Smithville – Fred E. Blalock, 74, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at NMMC, Tupelo. Born on July 21, 1941, in Turtletown, TN, he was a son of the late Paul Eugene and Mattie Jewel Verner Blalock.

Fred was a graduate of Copper Hill (TN) High School, Class of 1959. Meeting Nancy at a tent revival while they were singing in the choir, it was love at first sight. They were married on June 2, 1962, and are the parents of two beautiful daughters. Living in Scottsboro, AL, Fred was a volunteer fireman and an auxiliary police officer. Moving to Fulton, he served as Music Director of First Baptist Church, Fulton, for 16 years. From 1972 – 2010, Fred managed the radio station Power 101 in Fulton. Many will remember him as the voice of IAHS Indians and IJC football and basketball teams. A man of faith and a dedicated servant, Fred also served as the Associational Missionary in Itawamba County.

Later in life, they moved to the Cason Community and he served as Music Director at Cason Baptist Church for 5 years. Accepting another Music position at Friendship Baptist Church, Aberdeen, Fred served there for 7 years. His last church to work in was Trinity Baptist Church, where he served for 23 years, retiring on August 30, 2015.

A true gentleman, Fred had a huge heart, always saw the best in everyone, and always put others first. Unselfish and touching many lives, he enjoyed spoiling his wife, the love of his life. He adored his family and was especially fond of his grandson, Camden. Fred was passionate about St. Jude and singing. He sang in the choir at Cason Baptist Church and ironically he was in the older ladies Sunday school class. Fred enjoyed his chickens; gardening; collecting stamps and coins; and all sports, especially golf and bowling. Recently, he just learned how to play UNO. The music Fred listened to was Southern Gospel, Classical, Broadway, and The Everly Brothers.

Survivors include his wife, best friend and soulmate of 54 years, Nancy Blalock, Smithville; daughters, Michelle Blalock Sloan, Navarre, FL, and Tammy (Andy) Hood, Amory; grandchildren who affectionately called him “Gramps,” Lexi Grace Hood aka “Peanut” and Leah Michelle Hood aka “Peanut Butter”; brother, Jerry Blalock, Tupelo; nephews, Jerry Austin Blalock and Paul McDaniel; his dogs, Amos and Molly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Camden Blake Hood; sister, Genene Verner; and sister-in-law, Robin Blalock.

His Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Meadowood Baptist Church, Amory, with Bro. Terry Paul Graham, Bro. Jack Dauphin, and Bro. Jim Harrington officiating. Burial will be in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Brad Clayton, Donnie Sloan, Ricky Chaney, Jerry Austin Blalock, Mike Sargent, Samuel Carroll, Thomas Adams and Brent Swan. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Todd, Duaine Holloway, David Stanford, James Rollins and Buster “Pop” Hawkins.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Wednesday, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, Amory.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Pl., Mphs, TN 38105 or to Expanding Borders, Honduras Mission, 81 Broome Rd., Bassfield, MS 39421.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.