Ernest Guy Blough

Ernie Blough, devoted husband, father, soldier, and servant of Christ passed from this world to his eternal home on Tuesday January 12, 2021.

Born November 11, 1936 in Altoona, PA to the late Irvin T. Blough and Verna Pearl Blough. Preceded in death by his brothers Randel Eugene Blough, Victor Lewis Breckbill, and I.T. (Tim) Blough. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Linda Huie Blough of the home; Sisters Geraldine Blough Parker (Paul) of Orangevale, CA, Bernadine Blough Fishel (Bill) of North Irwin, PA, Evelyn Blough Williamson of Tyrone, PA, Alice Blough Hubert, Irwin, PA, sons Guy Blough (Angela) of Raleigh, Eric Blough of Charlotte, Eddie Blough of San Diego, Grandchildren Aaron Blough (Courtney) of Clayton, Alexandra Blough of Raleigh, Kristy Blough of Charlotte, Ian Blough of Charlotte, and a host of nieces and nephews and beloved friends.

He had 38 years of Federal service. He started his military career in the Marines and then joined the US Army serving 24 years and earning the rank of Sergeant Major. He served most of his career in the Army’s Special Forces serving in almost every group – 7th, 6th, 5th, 3rd, and 10th. He completed two tours of duty in S.E. Asia (Laos 1962) and South Vietnam (1968-1969) stationed on the Cambodian Border as part of SOG and Operation Omega. He went on to serve as First Sergeant of the HQ & HQ Company USA Institute for Military Assistance at Fort Bragg. He then attended the Sergeants Major Academy, class 8, and graduated in 1976. He then was stationed at the University of Pittsburg where he served as the Sergeant Major of the Pittsburg Senior ROTC Instructor Group. He was highly decorated during his service earning the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Silver Star, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnamese Jump Wings, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), and many other commendations.

He retired from the United States Army in 1979 and then earned his Associates Degree at Fayetteville Technical Community College and went to work in the civilian sector. In 1986 he returned to Federal Service as a computer specialist for the Special Warfare Center and School. He worked there until his second retirement in 1998.

He and Linda were baptized into the Methodist Church in 1995. They were transformed by this and it changed the direction and focus of their lives. He went on to become a UMC – Lay Speaker preaching at churches all over North Carolina. He also was a participant and leader in the Emmaus Walk, active member of the Gideons, worked with Urban Ministries and the Salvation Army. He gave generously of his time, energy, and resources. He was named Volunteer of the year in 1999 by the Seniors Call to Action Team. In 2004 Governor Mike Easley and the Cumberland County Coordinating Council on Older Adults Inc. honored him for his dedication and service to others by presenting him the “Wise Owl” Award. He lived his life as a new creation in Christ sharing his faith until his final rest.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions there will be a small private service at Sandhills State Veteran Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC at 12 noon on Wednesday, January 27th. The service will be streamed live on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JerniganWarren/. There will be a memorial service in the spring at St. Andrews UMC to celebrate his life.

In lieu of Flowers the family request donations be made to either the St. Andrews UMC Church Fayetteville, Methodist Home for Children, or the Mission to Haiti (supports Haitian orphans)

Online condolences may be sent to http://www.jerniganwarren.com

Services entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

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