Billy Ray Blocker, Sr, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 30. Born on September 25, 1931 in Ashford, Alabama. Mr. Blocker lived in Cobb County since 1941. He graduated from Acworth High School in 1948 and worked his way through Berry College receiving a BS in Education in 1952 as well as advanced degrees in education from Peabody College and Auburn University. His career in education was temporarily diverted with two years of military service in the United States Navy where he was stationed in Pensacola, Florida as a metalsmith.
Mr. Blocker thrived as a teacher, coach and principal during his 30 year career with the Cobb County School system. Beginning his career at Kennesaw Elementary, he later taught seventh grade classes at Acworth Elementary School and coached the girls’ basketball team. He was the assistant principal at Floyd Junior before accepting the position of principal at Norton Park Elementary School where he served for 17 years. Billy further served in the community as elder emeritus at Acworth Presbyterian Church and as an active member of the Kenworth Golden Kiwanis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Pearl and Clara Belle Ezell Blocker, and brother, Zack E. Blocker. Billy is survived by his wife, Charlotte Anne Nichols Blocker, who he loved dearly for over 65 years, and four children, Billy Ray, Jr (Penny), Wayne David (Diane), Brenda Blocker Bruner (Dick), and Gloria Blocker Clark-Miller (Joe). He was blessed with four grandchildren: Daniel Joseph Blocker (Brittany), Anna Noel Blocker, Jonathan Allean “JAC” Clark, and Anne Bruner Meadows (Dylan) and two great grandchildren; Grace Ann and William McDaniel “MAC” Blocker.
Friends, former students and colleagues are invited to attend a memorial service at Acworth Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 5 at 11:30 am. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am in the fellowship hall. A celebration of Billy’s life will follow the service. In lieu of flower, donations may be made to Acworth Presbyterian Church, the Berry College Scholarship Fund or Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton South Carolina.
Please express condolences for the family in the comments section below. The Blocker family is being cared for by Georgia Funeral Care and Cremation Services, Acworth, Georgia.
