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Dr. Wesley Eric “Poppop” Blamick, 93, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025 in Tallahassee. Wesley was born in Port Vue, Pennsylvania, on December 8, 1931. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann (Gilbert) Blamick, a stepdaughter, Cynthia Wallace, and 5 of his siblings. Wes is survived by his wife, Carolyn “Kitty” (Purvis) Blamick, his sisters Vervaine Mains and Katie Seitz, his children Bonnie (Ray) Siu, Cindy (Jim) Thompson, Eric (Beth) Blamick, Bruce Wallace, and Chris Wallace, and by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After his father died when he was just 8 years old, leaving his mother to raise 8 children on her own, Wes had an upbringing that would be considered “tough” by today’s standards. However, he had fond memories of his childhood in White Oak, Pennsylvania where the family homestead still stands. He recalled roaming the woods with his dog, Shep, sledding with friends, helping his mother with their chickens, and working as a pin-setter at nearby Rainbow Gardens. Wes spoke often of the values and the strength his mother and older siblings instilled in him. Wes graduated from McKeesport High School, and from Bethany College in West Virginia. He credited his time at Bethany with opening his eyes to his own inherent potential and to the wider world. Wes spent 2 years in the Marine Corps, and later obtained an Ed.D. in Education from the University of Florida. His career focused on education, starting with a position as a science teacher at Wilkensburg Junior High in Pennsylvania, where he also coached football and tennis. The lasting impact he had on his students can be seen in the fact that he stayed in touch with one of them until just weeks before his death – over 68 years! Wes taught education courses at Bloomsburg University and at Rollins College before joining the Orange County (FL) school system as Director of Strategic Planning. There, he was instrumental in helping the school system as well as organizations like the Orlando Museum of Art and the Central Florida Zoo set roadmaps for their financial and organizational futures. Wes thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years. He and Kitty traveled extensively and hosted many parties and game nights in their home. He transformed their back yard into a gorgeous garden oasis, transplanting 400+ azaleas in the process. Wes published 2 books – a collection of quotes he found particularly inspiring and a collection of meaningful memories. He was active in the Forest Meadows tennis community and at Bradfordville First Baptist Church. A lifelong Steeler and Gator fan, he loved to watch his teams in action, especially if there was family present to cheer along with him. If asked what filled his heart with the greatest pride, Wes would light up and say, “my grandchildren”. Each one held a special place in his heart, and nothing brought him more joy than sharing stories with them, or hearing about their families, careers and adventures. A man whose faith and family were the cornerstones of his life, Wes leaves a legacy of integrity, faithfulness, and love. He will be deeply, forever, missed. The family will be receiving guests at Bradfordville First Baptist Church, 6524 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 3:30pm, with a memorial service to immediately follow at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany College (WV) or to Big Bend Hospice: https://www.bethanywv.edu/give/ or https://bigbendhospice.org/foundation/donate/ Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Dr. Wesley Eric Blamick

December 8, 1931 - August 19, 2025