James Blocker

Garnold Blocker, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2014 at his residence. The Long County native had lived on the Sandhills of northern Long county all of his life. Garnold was a farmer and logger as a young man before becoming employed at Camp Stewart as a carpenter. Garnold owned and operated Blocker Brothers Grocery Store, Garage and Gas Station from 1947 �½" 2007 along with his brother, Harold. Garnold devoted 60 years to Blocker Brothers Store, working six days a week from daylight til dark. The "Store" was a central hub of daily news and happenings for the Sandhills. Garnold was a trusted mechanic and serviced vehicles for the entire community. Garnold sold International trucks, tractors, and Scouts along with pumping gas, dipping ice cream cones, cutting meat and changing oil.
Garnold was a member of Pigott Branch Church since 1940. He served as a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years and was also the Song Leader for a number of years. Garnold was active with the church youth group, taking them to rallies near and far. His favorite Sunday afternoon youth activity was boating at the river . Most all teens on the Sandhills learned to ski behind Garnold's boat. His love of the Lord, the Bible and his church was a true testament to all who knew and loved him. On August 10, 2014 Pigott Branch Church held a Garnold Blocker Appreciation Day in honor of his service and dedication to the Lord. Garnold was a devoted Christian man with a giving soul who helped anyone in need and expected nothing in return.
Garnold had an unbelievable memory and could quote scripture from the Bible upon request, name every sibling in each family (in birth order) around the Sandhills, knew every make and model of vehicle made, and knew the date most churches in Tattnall, Evans and Long County were established. Garnold was a true wealth of knowledge to all his friends and family. His sense of humor and ability to tell a quick joke will not soon be forgotten and neither will the fact he always laughed before he got to the punch line.
Garnold served as a volunteer fireman for 24 years keeping the fire truck with him day and night until a fire station was built in Long County District 1. On March 26, 2000, Long County, District 1 Fire Station was dedicated in his honor. Garnold served as a Long County Commissioner for eight years and was Long County Commissioner Chairman for four years. He was a colon cancer survivor. In 2005 he battled colon cancer and reopened Blocker Brothers Store for several months after his chemotherapy ended.
Garnold was born April 6. 1925 and is preceded in death by his parents, James Hartridge "Hart" and Vynona "Nona" DeLoach Blocker; brother, Harold M. Blocker; sisters, Carrie Jane Blocker, Sallie Jean Blocker and Clara Driggers; brothers-in-law, Larry W. Driggers and Gene Jackson; sister-in-Law, Mildred Blocker.
Survivors include:
Sister:Monceil Jackson
Nieces:Betty (John) Maloney, Nancy (James) Briscoe, Cathy (Brian) Roberts,
Janet (Danny) Foster and Tammy (Ernie) Cowart
Nephews:Bobby Harmon, Joe Eugene (Denise) Jackson, and Gerald (Cheryl) Blocker.
Visitation will begin at 6:00 pm, Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home in Glennville. Funeral Services will be at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at Pigott Branch Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pigott Branch Baptist Church, c/o Carolyn Barney, 2430 Marcus Nobles Rd., N.E., Glennville, GA 30427 or Long County Station 4 Fire Dept., c/o Margie DeLoach, 1579 Sheldon DeLoach Rd., Glennville, GA 30427.