Earl Wayne Blick 76, went to be with the Lord on June 1, 2024.
Blick was born November 7, 1947 and is the son of George Richard Blick and Virginia Wrenn Blick. He is preceded in death by both parents, a brother, George Ruben Blick and a "favorite" sister, Patricia "Joyce" Blick Powell. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 54 years, Diana Reynolds Blick, daughter Melissa B. Fleenor and son Richard W. Blick, and sister-in-law Margaret H. Blick. He has 6 grandchildren, Kendall Fleenor, Elle Blick, Spencer Blick, Lucas Fleenor, Harrison Blick, and Lillie Blick. His uncle, James W. Wrenn and an aunt, Alise Wrenn. Also his beloved sidekick Grand dog Ginger and Grand cats Oliver, Shelly and Luna. Earl quasi-adopted many people as his own family including Amber and Brad Barbour and family, Patti Harris Faulk, Jennifer Allen, Karen Thompson Karen and Marcos Ramos and family, Otis Maxey, Michael Bourne, Jerry Draper and family, and so many others.
Earl attended Greensville County schools and Brunswick Academy where he graduated with the class of 1968. He was a dedicated worker even in high school, but his interest was in anything automotive & fast custom cars! He relocated and attended Danville Community College automotive program where he graduated in 1971. Earl never met a stranger so while there he befriended several special people including NASCAR's first Black driver & team owner, Wendell Scott, and a classmate of his is the son of NASCAR's Wood Brothers racing team. While in college he worked at Dan River Mills where he noticed the beautiful sister of a coworker. He was determined to meet this lady. It was love at first sight and they married in November 1969.
Earl was a life-long proud member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served for many years as Deacon and Chairman of Deacons. He volunteered at Vacation Bible School annually and made sure his two children and all 6 of his grandchildren were there to learn and worship Jesus Christ.
Right after college Earl worked for Herman Sadler Jr. in autobody repair. He painted countless race cars, big trucks, and even an airplane. He also ran a gas station/auto shop on South Main Street. He worked at Brunswick Correctional Center in Lawrenceville where he retired after 27 years as a Dept. of Correctional Education automotive instructor. He cherished many coworkers as well as many of his former students there, even helping them with future careers. In retirement he worked for Link's Electrical, Greensville Correctional Center, and assisted Echols Funeral Home.
For a decade, Earl was a big supporter and received the 2010 "Terry Zahn Spirit Award" for the Relay for Life. Many know Earl from the decades of organizing Car Shows for over 36 years as the chairman of the car shows for The Virginia Peanut Festival in Emporia, Taste of Brunswick Festival in Lawrenceville as and his many years of being involved with The Virginia Wheels Car Club. He also volunteered countless hours to numerous charities throughout the community.
After decades of searching, the family located his long-abandoned 18th century ancestrally homeplace in Smoky Ordinary VA. He was instrumental in starting up the 501(c)3 nonprofit Historic Blick Plantation there for his community and descendants to research, learn, document, and restore.
In memory of Earl, charitable donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Vacation Bible School program and/or the HistoricBlickPlantation.org nonprofit.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Echols Funeral Home, Emporia VA. The visitation and social will occur on Sunday June 9, 2024, from 5 to 7 PM at Calvary Baptist Church. Please enter through the front doors. The funeral will be at Calvary Baptist Church on Monday June 10, 2024, at 2PM followed by a procession to the Greensville Cemetery Mausoleum. A special request is being made to all of his friends who are car enthusiasts, PLEASE drive your classic or show cars/trucks to the service and in the procession.
Online condolences can be made at EcholsFuneralHome.com. A special thanks to the Emporia rescue squad!