Roy Pearson Blaylock, Jr., 69, of Jackson, Tennessee, died on Friday, August 16, 2024. Roy graduated from Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy in May of 1975 and went on to attend John A. Gupton College. He finished college in June of 1977 with an associate’s degree in Mortuary Science and worked in the funeral industry for 39 years before retiring. While at John A. Gupton College, he was elected as treasurer of the Phi Sigma Phi fraternity. As he got his funeral service licenses, Roy became the first deaf licensed embalmer in TN and AR and the first deaf funeral servicer in MS. He had eight years of experience as the manager of the preparation facility and crematory at Forest Hill Funeral Home in Memphis, TN, where he helped with an average of over 100 calls a month. While living in Memphis, he became a member of Kirby Woods Baptist Church and enjoyed attending services when he was able. Along with his extensive career in funeral service, Roy was also the first deaf representative in history of the American Legion’s Boys State and Boys Nation and was elected Vice President of Boys Nation. He loved to serve and accomplished many great things throughout his life. Roy is survived by his children, Jennifer Nicole Blaylock, Chad Welsey Blaylock, and Anthony Wade Blaylock; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Laura Donovan and Linda Moore; and a host of other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah E. Cutshall and Roy P. Blaylock, Sr. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements.
