Allene Nelson Blalock

- Allene Nelson Sammons Blalock passed into eternal life on January 30, 2024 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Born in 1935 in Whiteville, TN, she was the daughter of Allen Doyle Sammons and Nannie Wilkes Seymour Sammons.

Allene grew up in a close-knit farming family, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins surrounding. Whip smart and practical, she inherited her mother’s resourcefulness and sewing prowess as well as her father’s strength of character and fortitude. She was acquainted with her future husband, Theron Vaughn Blalock, from her earliest school days. As teenagers, they courted in secret from her parents, with cousins providing cover, until they eloped at ages 17 and 18, respectively. The secrecy was ultimately unwarranted, as both families were delighted with the match, and the pair went on to have a wonderful 48 years together. Those years were full and happy, as Allene and Vaughn raised three energetic sons and served in the church. From scouting to swim meets to marching band to West Hills Baptist Church Sunday school and University of Tennessee faculty gatherings, the two were devoted to each other and to their growing family. Allene truly reveled in all things related to the home and was especially known for her decorating skill. She loved experimenting with furniture placement, though none of her boys as teens understood how she managed to move the heavy pieces—quite skillfully tripping them up with a new arrangement when they attempted to sneak in after curfew. Allene was always happiest when planning a new adventure with Vaughn, whether it was a day in Gatlinburg, antiquing in the countryside, visiting her grown children, or travel for Vaughn’s electrical engineering conferences. With Vaughn’s untimely passing at age 66, just as retirement plans were beginning, she gathered every ounce of faith and courage to persevere. Allene’s family takes comfort in knowing that she and Vaughn are together again. Allene is survived by her three sons: Allen Blalock (Katrina), Travis Blalock (Mary), and Benjamin Blalock (Melissa); grandchildren Rachel Blalock, Justin Blalock, Davis Blalock (Christine), Shelby Blalock, Quillen Blalock (Abbey), Nathaniel Blalock (Alexis), and a great-grandson due in May. Extended family includes Shannon Bailey (Chris), Alyssa Sawyer (Billy) and their children Ky, Makayla, Trey, AJ, Lacey, and Soren. There will be a private family graveside service at Pleasant Forest Cemetery in Farragut, Tennessee. Those wishing to make a gift in Allene’s memory are asked to consider the Vaughn and Allene Blalock Electrical Engineering Graduate Award Endowment at The University of Tennessee (http://giveto. utk.edu/) or any charity of their choosing.