Mildred Ray Blalock

Mrs. Mildred Ray Blalock, 99, passed away Sunday (September 24, 2023) at Baptist Village Retirement Communities in Waycross, GA. 

Mildred was born on February 4, 1924 in Chattooga County, GA.  She was a 1942 graduate of Trion High School. In 1944, she joined the U.S. Navy Waves, completing basic training at Hunter College in the Bronx in New York City. Afterwards, she transferred to Mercer Field in Trenton, New Jersey where she served until October 1945. She was very proud of her military service and commitment to her country. 

She returned to Trion and worked for Riegel Textile Company until her retirement, 42 years later.  Mildred moved to Baptist Village Retirement Community in June of 1999.  She was a loyal member of Sweat Memorial Baptist Church. 

Mildred loved to travel and had fantastic stories of her worldly adventures.  As the consummate Southern hostess, she welcomed all new neighbors at Baptist Village with a homemade egg custard.  She continued to be active even as her health declined, walking in her neighborhood almost daily, waving and chatting all the way. 

Mildred was the daughter of the late William Lewis Ray, who passed away June 7, 1994 and Minnie Fleming Ray, who passed away July 7, 1993.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Neal, who passed away in 1978, and her husband, Julian D. Blalock, who passed away in 1994; her brothers, Raymond L. Ray and James Mack Ray, both of whom passed away at infancy; and her special niece and nephew, Diane and Sam Grogan, who passed away in 2012. 

Survivors include several cousins, nieces, and nephews.  

Mildred's family is forever grateful to Wendy Sylvester, her long-time caregiver.  Her commitment to Mildred allowed her to remain in her own home, surrounded with love and comfort.

Graveside and Interment Services will be held Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the West Hill Cemetery in Trion, Georgia with Rev. Casey Bramlett officiating, and the US Navy providing military honors.

Mildred will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel, with the assistance of Music Funeral Home in Waycross, GA is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Mildred Ray Blalock.  Please visit www.coffmanfh.net or www.musicfuneralhome.com to sign our online guestbooks and post condolences.

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