In Memoriam - B.G. “Bev” Blalock

March 12, 1927 – June 3, 2008

 The Community Foundation of the Virginias mourns the passing of Development Director B. G. "Bev" Blalock on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 after a short illness. He was 81.

Bev was named to the Foundation Advisory Board in 2001. In late 2003, at a time when the organization was struggling with internal leadership, Bev, who was then a member of the Board of Directors and volunteer Development Director, stepped in as volunteer Executive Director, and oversaw the day-to-day operation of the organization for the next four years. He gave up the position as Executive Director in February to devote more time to relaxation and family, and re-assumed the position as Development Director.

 

Bev's organizational and business skills were indispensible to the organization. Much of his work addressed the mechanics of the operation of the Foundation through developing policies and guidelines, and he was very active in fund raising events of the organization, such as the Annual Dinners, Auctions, and Home Tours. He worked with donors to establish new endowed funds to meet their charitable needs, and was responsible for much of the Foundation’s growth during that time. His contribution of time and energy was crucial to the Foundation's success.

 

During the Annual Dinner on October 21 of 2004, Bev and Rachel were surprised by their children, Larry Blalock and Beth Graham, with a $10,000 donation in their honor to establish the B.G. and Rachel Blalock Fund at the Community Foundation in support of Bible in the Schools. The family requests that if anyone would like to make a donation in Bev's name that they be made to the Blalock Fund, or to the Virginia Avenue United Methodist Church.
 
Bev had been a loyal member of the Rotary Club of Bluefield, W. Va. since June 1 of 1969, and was a Paul Harris Fellow, a Past Club President, and the only recipient of the Club’s Commitment to Service Award.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rachel and their children, Larry and Beth, and other family members. The Community Foundation will miss Bev.