Herbert Blalock

Herbert Blalock, 78, of Jonesboro died August 9, at his home after a brave battle against lung cancer. He was born in 1930 and raised in Bay, graduating from Bay High School. He continued to live and farm in Bay until he left in 1951 to serve his country as a Sergeant in the Korean War. After returning home, he continued farming until 1970 when he began a career in real estate development.

Along with his brother James A., he founded Blalock Brothers Enterprises, and became a prominent developer in the area, building and developing subdivisions, homes, apartments, post offices, and other commercial buildings in Bay, Jonesboro, and throughout Northeast Arkansas.

In addition to his business, Herbert was also involved in the community, serving as a Scoutmaster and participating in numerous fundraisers for the Boy Scouts. He also served on the Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for many years.

Herbert has always been a Christian, but recently rededicated his life to Christ by being baptized at the First Baptist Church of Bay where he was a member. Herbert lived and demonstrated his Christian faith through the generous helping hand, or advice he was always willing to offer to anyone in need.

Survivors include his wife, Clara Ritter Blalock, of the home; his daughter, Joan McGill of Little Rock; his two sons and their wives: James and Melanie Blalock of Olive Branch, MS; and Joseph and Karen Blalock of Jonesboro; five sisters, Laura Inboden and Jennie Penn of Jonesboro, Madean Dubus of Texas, Jimmie Kohler of California, and Sue Pace of Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Lily and Mia Blalock and Bryce James of Jonesboro, Lauren, and Hannah Blalock of Olive Branch, MS, and Ike and Jake McGill of Little Rock; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Laura Turner Blalock, 2 brothers, James A. and George Blalock, and 4 sisters Mary Blalock, Lula Mae Glover, Amelia Lewis and Jane Johnston.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Deacon Vic Stepka and Brother Danny Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Active pallbearers will be Herbert’s nephews: Steve Inboden, Victor Holt, Jerry Glover, David Schwarz, Ed Way, Tony Bari, Jim Bryant, and Jerry Barnes.

Honorary pallbearers will include Charles Inboden, Lynn Scott, Mike Bradford, Howard Headrick, Wilburn Spencer, Brooks Griffith, Hubert Brodell, Harry Darby, Jay Goodman, Bill Hansard, Vernon Henson, and James Peachy. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 Monday evening at Emerson Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration for lasting memorials be given to First Baptist Church of Bay, P.O. Box 190, Bay, AR 72411 or to the Home Health Professionals and Hospice Inc. 2222 Spence Circle, Jonesboro.

The family would also like to express special thanks to Dr. James Murray and the nurses of Home Health Professionals and Hospice, Inc. for their dedicated care. To sign an online registry, go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com.