James Richard (Speedy) Blalock, Sr., age 74, of Knight Street in Emerson, passed away Saturday morning, Jan. 2, after a lengthy illness.

Mr. Blalock was born on Oct. 3, 1924 in Bartow County, son of the late Carol Blalock and Ethel Head Blalock.  He was a retired molder with Cartersville Casting Company and was of the Holiness faith.  He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Navy.  He was preceded in death by his wife; Colleen Patterson Blalock and by two children; Burley Blalock and Darlene Blalock.

Survivors include his children; Barbara Hovers of Cartersville, Mary Jennings of White, Carol Blalock, Charles Blalock and James Blalock, Jr., all of Emerson, Frances Watson of Plainville, Julie Mercado of Emerson, Patricia McEntire of Plainville, Linda Mader of Cartersville, and Tina Ray of Emerson; 20 grandchildren; 20 great children; sisters, Lillian Baldwin and Becky Smith both of Cartersville; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday afternoon Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Owen Chapel with Rev. James Bennett and Rev. A.J. Watters officiating.   Interment will follow in the Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will include grandsons.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, has charge of the funeral arrangements.

[Re-printed with permission from The Daily Tribune News in an effort to help preserve history.]