Charlie Lorraine Blalock

Charlie Lorraine Blalock, born July 30, 1931, in Birmingham, AL. died peacefully Tuesday, May 7th, after a brief fight with cancer. He slipped away surrounded by the love and support of his family.

Charlie's was a life well lived. His 26 year Army Corps of Engineers career took him thru Korea, Viet Nam, Germany and throughout the U S. earning respect and honors and achieving the rank of Colonel, along the way.

There are roads, dams, bridges, airfields and barracks still around today that were part of his Army work. His last military assignment was as District Engineer in Mobile, AL. during the Tennessee-Tombigbee project years. Leaving the military to become the first Director of the Department of Natural Resources for the state of Mississippi, retiring to Pensacola in 1988 and going into real estate with his wife, Sue until late 1999, then he really retired and settled in to the quiet life.

Charlie was a gracious, good humored gentleman, good sport, always for the underdog, preferring to work behind the scenes, never seeking the spotlight and always ready to lend a hand.

He lived his Christian faith daily. Of special interest was his United Methodist Men’s group at Cokesbury U M C.

God called him home to be with his loved ones that had gone before: : Father, Wesley Blalock, Mother, Ruth Diamond Blalock, brother Frances, sister-in-law Frances, brother David, son Todd, special aunt Kathryn, and many others who will welcome their special Charlie to a great reunion.

He leaves to cherish his memory: His beloved family - Wife of 56 years, Sue, Daughter Lisa (Ray) Howell, Mobile, AL., Son Richard, Panama City, Daughter in Law, Meishen, Grandson John, Pensacola, FL. special nieces, Cherry Bass, Centre, AL. Gayle Wood (Johnnie), Pell City, AL. and other cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebration services for Charlie will be Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Cokesbury United Methodist Church, 5725 N. 9th Ave. Visitation from 1:00 to 2:00. Guests are invited to dress casually, as that is what Charlie did in retirement. No more suits.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Charlie's honor, to the United Methodist Men’s group at Cokesbury U M C.

The family deeply appreciates the care and compassion shown by the Sacred Heart Doctors and Nurses during Charlie's final walk. Words cannot express our appreciation of our Cokesbury family - who sustained Charlie and all of his family, with their support and prayers.