Julius Ray Blansett

Julius Ray Blansett, a lifelong resident of Columbia, Mississippi, passed from this life into God’s presence on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. He served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict and served his community and his Lord through his longtime membership with First Baptist Church of Columbia. Julius loved to talk and never met a stranger. He had a good heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. He enjoyed activity outdoors and cherished the time spent with his family. He will be remembered for the deep love that he had for his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Blansett; a son, James Joseph Blansett; a son-in-law, Bobby Cox; two sisters, Joyce McLeod and Peggy Angelle; and his parents, J. I. and Lillie Mae Blansett. Julius is survived by two daughters, Jennifer Cox and Angela (Pat) Koepp; two sons, Jesse (Anita) Blansett and Clifford (Barbara) Blansett; two sisters, Carolyn Newell and Mildred Hathorn; two brothers, J.T. (Carolyn) Blansett and David Blansett; eleven grandchildren, Jonathan Blansett, Matthew (Kaitlin) Blansett, Sarah Blansett, Paige Blansett, Justin (Angela) Cox, Kelly Cox, Austin Cox, Haley Blansett, Britney (Cole) Lewis, Jacob Koepp, and James Koepp; and 14 great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation for Julius at Colonial Funeral Home on Sunday, January 9, 2022 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. The funeral service, officiated by Reverend Tom Thurman, will be at 11:00am on Monday, January 10, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Columbia where friends may visit from 9:00am until service time. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.