Sam Blalock

SAM BLALOCK, SR. ASHEVILLE - Sam Blalock, Sr., age 75, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at Emerald Ridge Rehabilitation and Care Center. Mr. Blalock was born April 14, 1939 in McDowell County and was a resident of Buncombe County for most of his life. Sam graduated from Lee Edwards High School in 1957. While in school he completed an Electronics Radio class and received his ham radio license. He was an active member and officer of the Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society using the call K4HCU. Sam participated in the Military Amateur Radio Service, (MARS) which made it possible for families to stay in touch with overseas active duty military personnel via radio to telephone connections. He was a very proficient electronics technician for many years. He loved to play basketball and softball and had coached 3rd through 6th grade basketball at Woodfin Elementary school. He was a member of New Bridge Baptist Church, Asheville. He was a son of the late Mary Blalock Higgins and was preceded in death by brother, David R. Blalock. Surviving are his wife of 56 years Jeannie Rathburn Blalock; daughter, Sharon Reynolds and husband Randy of Weaverville; sons, Sammy Blalock and Stephen Blalock of Weaverville; sister, Elizabeth Lynn Martin of Lady Lake, FL; grandchildren; Crystal Pafford, Joseph Blalock, Cara Reynolds, Shelby Blalock and Jordan Briggs; and four great grandchildren. His service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2015, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Pastor Mike Wilson officiating. A private burial will be in Clark's Chapel Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home following the service. Flowers are welcome. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Sam's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. His service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2015, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Pastor Mike Wilson officiating. A private burial will be in Clark’s Chapel Cemetery. The family will greet friends at the funeral home following the service. Flowers are welcome. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Sam’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.