William Keith Blalock

William Keith Blalock, age 69 of Benson, NC died January 30, 2026 at his home, after a valiant stand against cancer. He was born October 29, 1956 in Portsmouth, Va, as one of four children to his late parents, John (Jack) William Blalock originally of Baskerville, Va and Edith Edwards Blalock originally of LaCrosse, Va. Keith grew up in Boydton, Va, along with his older brother, Thomas Osbourne Blalock; younger brother, John Edward Blalock (deceased); and sister, Kathryn Blalock Albertson, and attended Bluestone High School. From an early age, he had a great love for music and fine cars, especially Cadillacs (he owned several). His musical talent included playing the trumpet, guitar, piano, pipe organ, as well as many other instruments and singing, often sharing his talents with family and friends; even recording a variety of his favorite musical selections. As a young man, Keith was taught the value of hard work and around the age of 20 went to work with Olan Mills photography, photographing many venues in multiple states, including churches, malls, civic organizations and others, establishing himself a very successful career. Rising in advancement as the manager of the Olan Mills studio location in Goldsboro, NC, in 1980 he met his wife Janet M. Howard of Mount Olive, NC, who also was employed there as a proof consultant – they were married in July 1983. Keith and Janet successfully opened a private photography studio in Mount Olive, NC in 1986 established as William Blalock Photography and proudly grew it’s operation to include a team of three additional photographers, expanding their photographing talent to daycares, schools, weddings and family portraits all across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Their dream continued to evolve, opening a second studio location in South Hill, Virginia in 1992. For many years during the Christmas season, the business offered photos with Santa, with his wife Janet providing photography with a full studio set up, while Keith would dress as Santa Clause, allowing the children to come and have a visit with Santa, along with capturing the memorable moment with their picture taken. Keith truly enjoyed being back at home in Mecklenburg County, allowing himself to attend church locally and his children to attend local schools. After leaving South Hill and coming back to North Carolina, settling in Benson, he and Janet went back to work for the Olan Mills Church division in 1996, finishing out their photography career. Having worked more than 30 years in photography, Keith then took on a career change by joining the team at Capital Funeral Home and Cremation Society of the Carolinas in Raleigh around 2011. While in this career, he utilized his personable personality and experience of serving others to comfort the many families whom were experiencing the death of a family member. Assisting in many levels of required service, he rose to an advancement there of Cremation Technician & Assistant Crematory Manager, continuing his professional career there for over 12 years, before officially retiring. He was very talented in many ways and while throughout his career and private life was often seen dressed in a coat and tie, Keith was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He had an eye for design and was quick to pick up a hammer or power tool, remodeling buildings for studios, being a plumber, electrician, or painter; he also did mechanic work on vehicles or whatever else was needed in the home or office that he could do himself – often doing such work in that same coat and tie. He is also survived by his son, Travis Garrett Blalock (wife Meredith Best Blalock) & his daughter, Meredith Katherine Blalock (finance Chad Cashman); his Grandchildren, Mary Catherine Blalock, Elizabeth Abigail Blalock, Clara Eleanor Blalock, Madeline Elaine Blalock & Caroline Elizabeth Cashman, all of whom he loved dearly and spoke of affectionately. While dad grew up in a Christian family, he decided to commit himself more fully to living for Jesus Christ, and along with his wife Janet, Keith was confirmed and entered the Catholic Church in November 2004. In the end, having lived a life of faith and having received the sacraments of the church, Keith entered into eternal life peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family and friends.
A Memorial Mass Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, February 6, 2026, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 2811 Poole Rd. Raleigh, NC. Inurnment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, 605 N. Wall St. Benson, NC.

Online condolences may be made through our website at www.crowderhitecrews.com. Crowder – Hite – Crews Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Blalock Family.