Thomas Marion Blalock

Thomas Marion Blalock the son of Hugh and Eula Blalock was born on November 14 1939 and died at his home on April 2, 2024. Tom was the fourth of seven children. Predeceasing him were brothers Jimmy, Hardy, and sisters Myrtle, Sue and Faye. Tommy, as he was known by friends and family, grew up in the small community of Empress near Quitman, Georgia. He was valedictorian of his high school class and started his college career at ABAC on an academic and work scholarship that eventually launched him to the University of Georgia where he graduated with honors, while working summers for Union Camp Paper Company. He earned a master’s degree from Yale University in forestry before beginning his 35-year career with Union Camp. His military service started during the Cuban missile crisis when he spent 2 years in Germany. Upon completion of his term, he went to a German language school and then toured Europe on his bike. He filled his life with community service. He served as President of the Martinez Rotary Club, chairman of Board of Elections when Columbia County went from hand pulled levers on a monster machine to the dreaded hanging chads (latest technology available then). He also served as a city councilman in Harlem; the small town he came to love. His volunteer service also included 15 years in score reporting at Augusta National. One of the highlights of his time spent on #16 green was seeing Tiger Woods chip in off the storm grate for birdie many years ago. Tom was a devoted runner, prior to running it each year, he was a volunteer at the starting line at the Peachtree Road race for three decades and also ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. He was an avid Georgia football fan attending as many games as he could until it became easier to watch on tv. He cultivated this love with his three daughters, also UGA graduates and almost convinced his wife of 57 years. While living in Harlem during retirement Tom became the “go to person” for the Harlem high school seniors class tree identification program. He had located a source for all the trees required in the local area. Spending 25 years in Harlem, he and Ann came to love the interesting people and the stories that could only come from a small town with a history. Outside of Georgia football, Tom was mostly known for two things: remembering the birthdays of anyone he had a significant relationship with and always having a good joke at the ready.He is survived by his wife, Ann Carolyn Watkins, his daughters Laurie Hudson, Nancy Gilleland (Chris) granddaughter Shirley, Amy Bergmann, grandsons Dillon and Luke and a brother, Richard Blalock of Thomasville, GA and many dear nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank South East Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care they gave to him. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm May 11, 2024 at Covenant Presbyterian Church 3131 Walton Way Augusta GA. An internment service will be held a 4:00 pm on Sunday May 12, 2024 at Good Hope Baptist Church 1738 Greenwood Hwy Saluda SC 29138. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church or Fishes and Loaves P.O. Box 415 Harlem GA 30814.