A Mentor and Friend

A dear friend has passed. I left the Adjunct Instructor gig at Central Piedmont Community College a short time ago. My department head was a gentleman in every sense of the word and imparted many words of wisdom to me that I carry to this day. Even in a totally different classroom and subject matter his words ring true. 

MATTHEWS-Hoyle Lee Blalock Jr., 73, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Hospital in Houston, Texas.
A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Hoyle Lee Blalock Sr. and Sarah Hamrick Blalock. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Hamrick Blalock.
Hoyle was retired from Central Piedmont Community College where he worked for 48 years as Department Head of Computer Information Systems and as a faculty member. Hoyle was an influential leader in the field of computers and a mentor to many students and professionals in the computer field. He contributed extensively to the development of the computer science department at CPCC. He was a long standing member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte where he taught a Young Married Sunday School Class and held various other leadership roles for many years. Hoyle later became a member of First Baptist Church of Matthews where he served as a deacon and in various leadership positions. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Hoyle is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Flowe Blalock; children, Willene Blalock Byrd and husband Bobby of Charlotte, Joseph Hoyle Blalock and wife Andrea of Charlotte, Hannah Lee Blalock of Matthews; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and brother, Jim Blalock and wife Nancy of Boiling Springs.
Visitation: The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. prior to the service in the Life Enrichment Center at the church. At other times, the family will be at the home of Jim Blalock, 313 North Main Street, Boiling Springs, N.C.
Celebration of Life Service: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Boiling Springs Baptist Church, 307 South Main Street, Boiling Springs, N.C.
Officiated By: The Rev. Todd Bolin
Graveside Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Cleveland Memorial Park, 1225 College Avenue, Shelby.
Funeral Home: Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Blalock
Memorials: May be made to the Music Ministries at Boiling Springs Baptist Church, P.O. Box 917, Boiling Springs, N.C. 28017 or Music Ministries at First Baptist Church of Matthews, 185 S. Trade Street, Matthews, N.C., 28105
A guest registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com . 


I found out about this late. On my phone at work this morning a voice mail from his wife told me the news and as was his Families nature it was not about him. She spoke of his friendship with me and how he always scheduled at least one night class for him next to me so we could talk on breaks. She spoke of the fact that he valued my friendship and help in recording audio and MIDI computer interfaces. It got real dusty in my office this AM. 

There is a reason he was always asking about audio and other related matters. His youngest daughter has performed at the Kennedy Center, Paris, and many other venues. He was all about recording her performances. I met her and she is amazing and just as humble as her Father and Mother. 

Here she is at Garner Webb University.

Here is a link to her playing the harp. Scroll down to Debussy: Sacred and Profane Dances
Hannah Blalock, harp
Greensboro Symphony Orchestra
Dmitry Sitkovetsky, conductor

A very talented family and he took great care to help any way he could his family and friends. 

I am honored. For my friend:

 




  

Hoyle, I know the compiler will no longer throw out errors  where you are. I will miss you and cannot thank you enough. Godspeed Sir.