Kathy Long Blalock

Kathy Long Blalock, a lifelong resident of Rabun County, GA. passed away Tuesday July 31, 2018, at the age of 64. Kathy was born May 14, 1954, in Clayton, GA., to Annie Norton and R. L. (Billy) Long. She was the youngest of six children with three brothers, Neal (Doris), Dean (Joyce) and Tim (Dede) Long; and, two sisters, Lorette Inman (Paul) and Gail Hopper (Elmer).

Kathy graduated from Rabun Gap Nacoochee School in 1972 and North Georgia Tech in 1973.

On September 28, 1972, she married Jimmy Blalock. From that time on she became a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. With two children: Erik Brandon Blalock (Becky) and Amber Blalock Brady (Adam); and two additional children, whom she considered her own: Ashley Dixon Griffin (Will) and the late Kasi Jackson Webb; and, three grandchildren: Braxton Emory Brady, Brock Jackson Brady and Kasi Jai Blalock. From that, time on, Kathy devoted her free time to spending time on Lake Burton and to making sure that these children and all their friends had every opportunity to enjoy their lives.

She was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan, and loved hosting Bulldog themed parties for all her friends and family.

Kathy had many business interests over the years. She owned and operated a wedding event and planning service and was in charge of wardrobes for many important films, which were made in Rabun County. She also owned and operated a clothing shop known as Ambers Inc.

Perhaps Kathy will be most remembered for her passionate and enduring service to our community. Her vibrant spirit was always present where there was a need. She was instrumental in the formation and growth of the Foxfire organization. She was the Master of Ceremonies of the annual Rabun County Christmas Parade for many years. She also organized and provided decorations for the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce Veterans dinner on multiple occasions.

Kathy served as board member for: North Georgia Tech, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce. She also served as Chairman of the board for North Georgia Tech, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, and President of the Chamber of Commerce.

In 2011, Kathy was elected to the North Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in order to commemorate her many years of service.

Kathy was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as “Director Emeritus” in 2017 and again in 2018, with the coveted “Legacy Award” in recognition of her lifetime achievements.

With these many accomplishments, it is little wonder that she also became famous for being “persistently late”.

Kathy’s service to others was nowhere more in evidence than the Tiger Baptist Church where, for almost 45 years, she served as a Sunday school teacher, administrative assistant and organist. In recent years, she taught a Sunday school class at Traces of Tiger.

The Family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home, on Thursday, August 2, 2018, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

A memorial service will be held at The Reardon Theater at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, on Friday August 3, 2018, at 6:00 pm with Rev. Tim Hunnicutt, Rev. James Turpen and Will Griffin officiating.

Memorial donations in memory of Kathy Long Blalock should be made to Tiger Cemetery c/o Town of Tiger 3011 Old 441 South Tiger, GA 30576 or The Rabun County Chamber of Commerce Veterans dinner c/o Rabun County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 750 Clayton, GA 30525.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.