Obituary - William Robert Blaylock

BLAYLOCK, William Robert, 81, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Born in Richmond, Virginia, he was the son of the late Thomas Franklin Blaylock and Katie Ella Crews Blaylock.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Rachels Blaylock; his brother, Thomas Marvin Blaylock and his wife, Susan Blose Blaylock, and their children, Thomas William Blaylock (Jessica), Brian Franklin Blaylock (Anne Stewart), Benjamin Graham Blaylock (Tabby), and Grace Blaylock (Adam).

Bill was educated in Henrico County Public Schools, graduating from Douglas Southall Freeman High School. Bill went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree from Richmond Professional Institute (VCU), the tuition for which was paid solely by his industrious work at Lukhard’s Market then located on Grove Avenue. Bill honored his country by serving in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Carolyn and Bill met on a blind date which took them to the State Fair of Virginia in 1960. As Carolyn has many times spoken with glowing face “I was snowed over Bill” on that very night. “He was handsome, kind, a true gentleman and he put his DSF football letter sweater around my shoulders as the night air became chilly.” Bill and Carolyn married in 1967 at Reveille United Methodist Church.

Bill enjoyed a successful career in sales for The Dial Corporation where he rose to the position of District Manager. He bragged that his Dial soap business was a “clean business”. Bill was a golfer. His closest friends were golfers. The highlight of the year for them was joyfully traveling to Myrtle Beach, playing the links and enjoying the warm fellowship of best friends, local cuisine and an occasional beer. Bill’s friends were numerous, and he loved all of them dearly. Bill enjoyed his employment at the Richmond Country Club and the Country Club of Virginia after his retirement.

Bill was a member of Reveille United Methodist Church. He had a special relationship with God and a leadership role with the youth. Fun and special was the participation at Discovery United Methodist Church in the annual Live Nativity and the Road Trips with Pastor Jim Lavender’s wagons and trailers of tigers, lions and other wildlife for Jim’s “Thank God for Kids” traveling show.

Bill was a happy soul. He loved to tease and had a twinkle in his eye then and when laughing. Somewhere along the way Bill renamed his wife “Charlie Cougar” after a Walt Disney movie. He loved Charlie and the two of them enjoyed traveling and especially when they went “Jeeping” on the beaches of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. A special memory was created on Bob’s Wild Horse Rides at Corolla several years ago -bouncing along and a few “ouches” and “oh, man!”.

Bill’s animals at home brought him great joy - many cats and dogs throughout the 56 years he and Charlie were married. Bill shared a sleeping bag with his English Setter, Rufus, on cold wintry nights. Rufus adopted Bill when the two were working at the Richmond Country Club.

Bill never knew a stranger. He loved all people regardless of their appearance. His loyalty in giving to those in need continued throughout his life. He was an encourager, a motivator - a child of God.

Bill Blaylock will be missed greatly. May he rest in peace.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at Reveille United Methodist Church, 4200 Cary Street Rd, Richmond, VA 23221.

For those who wish to honor Bill’s life, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Reveille United Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia, the Richmond SPCA or Feed More.