Cloyce Blount

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Mr. Cloyce Blount, 81, of Gosnell, passed from this life Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Born to Eugene and Ethel Austin Blount in Garner, Ark., he was a resident of Gosnell for most of his life and of the Baptist faith. His parents; a daughter, Pam Blount; a brother Robert Blount; and sisters, Sudie Pannell and Oretha Paris preceded him in death.

Cloyce retired from the United States Air Force having served his country honorably in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After retiring, Cloyce worked in the civil service at Eaker Air Force Base for 14 years, serving as a firefighter. While in the military, he and Sherlon would travel extensively. Cloyce understood the needs of servicemen awaiting base housing and being the entrepreneur he was, he started in the rental business. Through this need he became the owner/operator of Blount Rentals in Gosnell. Cloyce also wanted to see Gosnell grow and become a better place to live and raise a family. He served two terms as alderman on the Gosnell City Council. Cloyce also had a deep love for the Gosnell School system and its sports programs. Usually at the football games you would see him on the sidelines working the chains or the down markers. His many acts of service and volunteer work to the school will always be remembered.

Cloyce was a person who worked hard at everything he attempted. His greatest attribute was that of giving. He would always help anyone who needed him. It wasn't unusual for him to go and get a load of watermelons in the summer. What was unusual was him giving most of them away by the time he got home. Cloyce was a hard working man who made sure he took care of his family. His dedication to hard work was only superseded by his love and devotion for family and friends.

Cloyce is survived by his wife, Sherlon Blount, of the home;

His children, Mark and Barbara Blount of Gosnell, Perrin and Beverly Blount of West Fork, Tim Blount of Gosnell, Eric and Emese' Blount of Gosnell, Sharon and Derek Prince of Ponte Vevra, Fla.;

A sister, Eulear Dubose of Heber Springs; and

Six grandchildren, Linsey Gillam, David Blount, Spencer Blount, Austin Prince, Jason Prince and Henry Blount.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at Cobb Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Antioch Cemetery in Antioch, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Nazarene Church of Blytheville or the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be expressed through the online register at www.cobbfuneralhome.com