Blalock Sr., Herschel "Jack"

CHINA GROVE Herschel "Jack" Blalock Sr., 83, of China Grove, passed away Friday, Sept. 28, 2018. He was born Sept. 19, 1935, in Rowan County, to the late George Lester Blalock and Ellen Wood Blalock Kelly. Jack attended Patterson School in China Grove and Camack School in Tomson, Ga. Born at home in China Grove, he later lived less than a mile from his birthplace for over 60 years. He was employed in the machine shop at Fieldcrest Cannon and as a supervisor at Rowan County Animal Shelter, prior to his retirement. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ruth Haithcock Blalock. They were married 54 years until her death in 2006. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Sally Clayton. Survivors include his children, Kathy Blalock, Jack Blalock Jr. and wife, Sally, Lisa Blalock Ashley and husband, Mike. Grandchildren include Kimberly Roberts (Jason), Michael Sherrill (Anna), Nicholas Beaver, Katie Stamey (Chris), Crystal Deel (Marcus), Joey Ashley, Katie Ashley. Great-grandchildren are Peyton Sherrill, Callie Sherrill, Carolyn Stamey, C.J. Stamey, Carrigan Stamey, Carter Stamey (soon to be born), Quinn Roberts and Nora Deel. Jack is also survived by his cousin, Frankie Menius and husband, Tony. The funeral service for Jack will take place at 4 p.m., today (Sunday, Sept. 30) at Concordia Lutheran Church conducted by Pastors Kenneth Reed and Larry Bost. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Family Life Center at Concordia Church, before the service. A special thank you to Ralph Dickson for his loyalty to Jack and the family during Jack's illness. Jack was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund at CLC, 185 Concordia Church Rd., China Grove, NC 28023. Donations may also be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Online condolences can be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com. Whitley's Funeral Home will be assisting the Blalock family.