Pervis Earl Blevins, known to everyone as “Blackie,” passed away from his earthly life into his eternal one on Nov. 24, 2023 at the age of 90.
Blackie was born on July 15, 1933, the fourth of 11 children to Wheeler and Edna Sluder Blevins in Shady Valley, Tenn., both of whom preceded him in death.
Blackie was a 1953 graduate of Johnson County High School, Mountain City, Tenn. After graduation, he enlisted into the US Army and served his country, in Korea, during the Korean War. He was discharged in 1955, returning home to attend East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn. After college, Blackie moved to Flint, Mich. to work in the automobile industry, but quickly learned that he missed his family and home.
On June 30, 1957, Blackie married Phyllis Forrester of Mountain City, Tenn. Blackie and Phyllis moved to Roanoke before moving to Salem, where they bought their first home and started their family. Steve was born in the spring of 1958 and Craig in the fall of 1960. The family of four then moved to Radford before making their final home in Blacksburg. In 1976, his daughter, Beth, was born.
Blackie worked for C&P Telephone Company, Inc., from 1957, where he remained until his retirement in 1988. Blackie loved his years of retirement, where he spent most mornings on the water, fishing and afternoons, on the golf course. Blackie spent many days with good friends, on both the water and the golf course. Fishing and good friends took him all over the United States, where he brought back fish and entertained friends and family with countless fish frys. His greatest joy, both in his career and his retirement was his family and his best four-legged girl, Riley. He took Riley to countless places and she became a staple in the community, just like Blackie. Blackie’s infectious smile and love of people will forever remain as part of his legacy.
In addition to his parents, Blackie is preceded in death by his oldest son, N. Steven Blevins, in 1996, and his best fishing buddy, Riley, in 2017.
Blackie is survived by his wife of 66-and-a-half years, Phyllis, of the home; his son, Craig Blevins of Blacksburg; his daughter, Beth Blevins of Lexington, N.C.; his granddaughter, Kelsey Blevins of Virginia Beach; his grandson, Tyler Blevins and wife, Ann, along with great-granddaughter, Elena Marie of Philadelphia; and his English Springer Spaniel, Katie, who has taken excellent care of him, just where Riley left off.
A Celebration of Blackie’s remarkable life was held Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at Blacksburg Christian Church with Rev. Gary McCoy and Rev. J.B. Beane officiating. The family received friends after the service in the fellowship hall. Interment was private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to Blacksburg Christian Church, where Blackie and his family have been members since coming to Blacksburg.
