Judy Bandy Blalock

Judy Bandy Blalock passed away at her home in Kingsport, TN, on Friday, October 20, 2023. She was raised in the Colonial Heights area by her parents, Ralph E. Snapp, Sr. and Leota Carter Snapp and attended Holston High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. Judy was a graduate of East Tennessee State University, being a member of AOPI Sorority. After graduation, she taught high school and was later a fundraiser for the American Red Cross in Columbia, SC. Judy later returned to Kingsport where she taught English at Dobyns-Bennett High School, then owned and operated the “Why Not” Gift Shop for twenty years, helping many Kingsport families decorate their homes. Since her business was in downtown Kingsport, she was an active member of DKA (Downtown Kingsport Association) and gave many small business seminars to high school students, college students, and civic groups in the area. She retired as a court reporter and recently served as commissioner of the 6^th district of Sullivan County. Always giving back to her community, Judy was active in many organizations, serving on the board at Crown Colony, active in Rotary, the Gideons, and a member of Junior League in Kingsport. She was especially proud of being on the first board of directors at Baysmont. Judy enjoyed playing bridge and golf.

She had a strong Christian faith and was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church. Judy had also been previously active at First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school to both teens and adults.

Judy loved people and had a way of making everyone feel better about themselves, always having a smile on her face. She loved to shop for others and was known to give “pick me up” gifts just to brighten someone’s day. The joy she brought to others will be remembered and missed by her family and many friends. We have lost someone very special, someone who touched many hearts. Those hearts will touch many more, and in that way Judy will always remain a part of us, a part of everything.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph E. Snapp, Sr. and Leota Carter Snapp; and sister, Janice Snapp Fraley Payne.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, James Randell Blalock; brother, Ralph E. Snapp, Jr. (Yvonne); special nephew, Andrew Snapp (Jamie); special nieces, Nancy Fraley, Elizabeth Fraley Baugh; and Karen Payne Ewing (Mike); stepchildren, Dail Blalock (Katie) and Elizabeth Graham (David); step-grandchildren, Mollie Kate Blalock, Sam Blalock, Sadie Blalock, Carter Graham, Addison Graham, and Sophie Graham; and brother-in-law, Dan Blalock (Twalla).

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Dr. Wm. Randall Frye and Rev. Jack Edwards officiating.

Burial will follow at Edgefield Cemetery in Piney Flats, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Cir., Kingsport, TN 37660; Shades of Grace, 313 E. Sullivan St., Kingsport, TN 37660; or a charity of your choice.