of Conway, AR
November 23, 1943 - July 16, 2023
Merrel Kenneth Blalock, Jr. "Kenny", 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 16, 2023 at 3:05pm. Kenny was born November 23, 1943 to the late Bill and May Blalock of Chipley, Florida. He graduated from Chipley High School in 1962 and soon after joined the US Air Force where he later met his bride to be, "Reva". They were stationed at the Little Rock Air Force Base. He was a Vietnam Vet and served with the 308 Titan II ICMB Squadron.
After 7 years of service, Kenny began a career in motorcycle sales and service. His continued need for an adrenaline rush led him to a life long career in aviation. In which he co-founded along with his wife, Reva, Special Products Aviation in Conway, Arkansas. Kenny had many accomplishments throughout life for which he was proud of that included the building and modification of experimental airplanes and was a member of the EAA. During this time, he was a co-founder of "The Great American Air Circus" and entertained thousands along with many other notable aviators. In 1986, he was presented "The Wright Brothers" award for his accomplishments in aviation. Kenny received the "Master Mechanic Award" in 2012 for his 50+ years of aviation maintenance field.
He is preceded in death by two sisters, Wanda Ruth Smith of Odessa, Texas and Myra (Don) Best of Pinellas Park, Florida.
He is survived by his bride of 60 years, Reva (Meek) Blalock; one son, Merrel Blalock of Mayflower; two daughters, Denean (Chris) Green of Mayflower and LeeAnna (Morgan) Ellis of Conway; seven grandkids, Toshua (Jacob) Thomas, Jennifer (Tim) Lee, all of Mayflower, Savanah Blalock and "Lil" Kenny Blalock of Jacksonville, Karlee, Madison and Cameron Frank; step-grandkids, Coleton, Dalton, Braxton Ellis all of Conway; four great-grandkids and one sister, Gwen (Blalock) Alford of Clearwater, Florida.
Service times will be announced at a later date.
Kenny inspired so many people with his talents in aviation , I am so glad to have met and worked around such a great person. The aviation industry will miss Mr Kenny Blalock.
Kenny was an awesome guy. I regret just hearing about this. Just proves we need to keep in touch more with people in our lives. Because it will gone in a blink. Soar with the Angels Kenny! You've already flown with the Eagle!
i learned a lot about flying and airplanes from Kenny, will miss him.
I believe I am distant cousin to Ken. If this message does reach remaining family I would like to have contact. 4696674817. Alonzoblalock@gmail.com
Reva, I was so sorry to hear about Kenny. I considered him a long, dear friend. I don't think I ever talked to Kenny when I didn't learn something. Again, I'm sorry for your lose and I wish you peace.
Heard about Kenny for many years before I met him. A real aviation Icon.
Tail winds forever. Peace.
I thought a lot of Kenny. Stanley and I always enjoyed visiting with him and coming by the shop to see him.
I served him many cups of coffee at Bob’s Grill- he was always very kind.
Sorry for your loss-
I am truly sorry to hear of Mr. Blalock's passing. May the Lord fill each of your hearts with His comfort and peace during this painful time. My prayers are with you all.
Sorry for your loss we still have fond memories of the flying days
So sorry to hear about Kenny. You two were a couple of my best friends.
I always learned a lot about airplanes when talking with Kenny..
I know how it is for you living alone now. Do the best we can.
Love from your old neighbor.---Al
Kenny was an awesome individual.
One of the kindest and gentle men I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Always willing to help in anyway he could.
God bless this family in this time and comfort them.
Jim & Angela Grinder
JoAnn and I are so sorry to hear of your loss Reva. He was our good friend that crossed many avenues of our life's from Ham Radio to Aviation .
KB5UIJ God speed to you brother!
Will miss you Kenny, You were always an inspiration and very encouraging to me in my aviation career. I was lucky enough to get to watch you perform at some airshows from time to time . You were a true aviator and a credit to the aviation community. R.I.P. Buddy, Blue Skys......
I loved you Kenny.
We are sad for you all. God bless you all.
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you guys.
Kenny was and still a great friend!
Kenny always had time for me to bug him with the hundreds of questions about everything I didn't know about airplane stuff. Everything! Everyone will miss you Kenny, me especially!! Reva and family my prayers are with you!
Sol
So sorry for your family's loss .My thoughts and prayers are with you.
A dear life long friend, that gave me a life long involvement in aviation. If I told someone I worked for Kenny he would always correct me and say you work with me. Will miss him always.
So sorry for your loss. Kenny was the only guy I would fly with besides my Dad
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So very sorry for your families loss. We will miss our dear friend.
I got the chance to fly few times with Kenny I’ll never for get it was the most amazing ride ever I’m sure am sorry he’s gone lots prayers for the family
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of the times I spent with Kenny.
When I was 12 and 13 years old, I would spend hours at Pegs and Pedals “helping†Kenny. He was first to admit that he had reservations about anyone who only weighed 90 lbs taking hang gliding lessons from down the street. However, three weeks later he found something I could do with one arm, while we discussed what went wrong with that final flight.
When I started my very first real job at Falcon (3/3/80) I went in a yugly Subaru that Kenny and Hump had rebuilt and slept many a night in it in the parking lot.
Years later when Hawker Beechcraft started the 4000 series, I was delighted to see my old friend there as DAR and immediately started spouting off why he should buy a Columbia bicycle.
Again, I’m very sorry for your loss and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
A good man who provided an immense amount of support for me and the Aviation Community !
we lost a good man agood frind god bless the family he was a good piotit god bless all
I’ve been friends with Kenny for many, he was a great hardworking honest man, God Bless Kenny and the family!
Kenny was my friend for a very long time, we did many airshows together as the “Great American Air Circusâ€. I had the pleasure of announcing his acts, first as a dual Pitts routine with his friend W A Humphrey, then in his amazing Pitts Falcon. But Kenny was more than a great pilot, he was a great friend to so many he touched in the field of aviation. Always ready to lend a helping hand and capable of fixing anything. You will be missed my friend…. Blue skys and tailwinds to you!
My condolences to the family, Kenny was a huge presence in Arkansas aviation. I will forever be indebted to him for his knowledge and help in my aviation career. There will never be another one like him. He will be missed by all of us whose lives he touched. I will always cherish the time I got to spend with him, visits to his shop, Mrs. Reva always wondering if Robbie and me needed to be weighed after leaving the hardware room. Once again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Denean,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sad to hear of Kenny's passing. He has been a good friend for many years. He will be greatly missed.
Reva and family, you have our deepest condolences.
Kenny had a great impact on my life, as I know he did on the lives of many others. He will be missed, and you will be in our prayers for comfort during this time.
Reva, Such a great life and family you two have. I pray for peace and the memories keep you going. Love , Linda
I loved Kenny so much! He was one of a kind for sure. Tell Gerald I said hi, and you two behave. Lots of love to his wife Reva and family. I love you all.
Reva and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of Kenny at the airport. My prayers are with y’all.
Love,
Shawna Evans
So sorry to hear of Kenny’s passing. Was just thinking of him the other day. He was a good friend and great pilot. He will be greatly missed! My sincerest condolences to his family and my thoughts and prayers are with you!!
I'll definitely will always remember kenny and his ability fly that pitts falcon still remember the sound it made over the airport, and he always called me junior lol. Anyway sorry for yall's loss he was a great man.