Gary Blocker

Gary Neill Blocker TUSCALOOSA | Gary Neill Blocker, age 77, passed away January 16, 2014, at DCH Regional Medical Center. He was born May 6, 1936 in Midland, Texas, the elder son of George and Bess Blocker, both whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, DeAlva, of the home in Tuscaloosa; their son, Gary Don of Ruidoso, New Mexico; and daughter, LeAnn Shiers and her husband Myron of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He also is survived by his brother, Chris and his wife, Judy of Atlantic Beach, Florida; five grandchildren, including grandsons Joshua and Micah Shiers of Tuscaloosa, and Tyler Beyer of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Also surviving are granddaughters, Sarah Blocker and children, Aidan, Addison and Amelia, Hudson and Bronwyn of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Leah Blocker (Craig Burch) and daughters, Kylen and Kinsley Burch of Chandler, Arizona. In-laws, Johnny, Donna Sue, Bruce and Glenn Forrest are surviving as are double cousins, Gail Kinyon and Don Blocker and a host of first cousins. Nephew Chad Blocker and niece, Tasha Tadewald also survive. He leaves his beloved church family at Taylorville United Methodist Church, as well as those at Jal United Methodist church, along with his Airstream RV club friends and long-time friends in Jal, New Mexico. After organ donation and cremation, a celebration of Gary's life will be 7 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2014, at Magnolia Chapel South with Rev. Matthew Smith presiding. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home South will be in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow in Jal Cemetery in Jal, New Mexico, with Eunice Lodge #67 conducting Masonic burial rites. Gary was a two-term mayor of Jal, following service as a city councilman and was a graduate of Jal High School and Eastern New Mexico University. He and his wife, DeAlva, lived in Jal from 1958 until their relocation to Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 2001. Gary requests that in lieu of floral expressions, expressions of sympathy be made to the Foundation of Taylorville United Methodist Church, 640 Bear Creek Road, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405; Jal United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1000, Jal, New Mexico 88252; or New Mexico A. F. & A. M. Memorial Fund, 1638 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102-1711; or charity of one's choice .