April 25, 1957 – November 8, 2024
Paul Neal Blomquist, 67, passed away at home on Friday, November 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
He exemplified tremendous courage and strength battling Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a terribly cruel disease. Even through his suffering, he continued to make his family laugh with his quick, dry wit and amazing sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband, daddy, granddaddy, and son. He loved and took great care of his family, including both of his parents until their deaths.
Born in Columbus, Georgia, Paul spent his childhood riding bikes until dark, fishing from train trestle bridges, and riding horses through the Georgia pines. He moved to Lexington, North Carolina in 1974 where he played football for Lexington High School, and soon discovered his love of playing guitar. Paul attended Western Carolina University, made lifelong friends, and met his wife and soulmate of 40 years, Pam.
Paul owned and operated Western Lanes Bowling Center, which was built by his grandfather in 1932. Performing the majority of the machinery and lanes maintenance himself, he became a self-taught, proficient handyman. He could build almost anything, both at work and at home.
Paul loved the outdoors, especially the mountains and the beach. He found peace in nature and cherished many happy hours with family and friends in his beloved Blowing Rock and Ocean Isle Beach. Hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and sunsets brought him great joy.
In addition to his family, his true passion was music. He enjoyed playing with his friend Bob, the “PBR” band, Highland United Methodist Church’s Praise Bands, and the Oak City String Band. He was an incredibly talented musician and could play anything with strings. His girls will always cherish the memories of falling asleep to the sound of their daddy playing the guitar.
His wife, children, and precious grandson, George, gave him strength during the hard times, and provided endless laughter and joy all of the time. He was immensely proud of his family. Paul’s memory lives on in the hearts of his loved ones, and the stories they are privileged to share with friends and family.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Rogers Blomquist; his daughters Amanda Blomquist Jones (Mason) and Elizabeth Blomquist Lofgren (Bobby), grandson George Jones; sister Shelley Johns (Russ), nephews Matthew Johns (Lacie), Benjamin Johns; mother-in-law Elvalee Rogers, brother-in-law Kevin Rogers (Deb), sister-in-law Renee Griffin (Tom), niece Kristy Thompson, and great niece Khloe Collins. He is also survived by his Texas family, Aunt Annie Hood, (James), cousins Laurie Grenadier, Jordan Murphy (Mike), Jacob Hallmark, and Katherine Williams. He is preceded in death by his parents George and Natalie Neal Blomquist.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 17, at 2:00 P.M. at Highland United Methodist Church, with Dr. Reverend John Tyson officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
The family would like to thank Paul’s caregiver, Gloria, and his entire Hospice team for their loving and compassionate care during his illness. Tammy, Troy, Sam, Katherine, Amy, Nancy, and Madeline are all extraordinary. The family would also like to thank everyone for all the support and prayers received during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paul Blomquist Memorial fund benefiting the Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM), or to George Blomquist, Jr. Scholarship at the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University.
Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh, is serving the Blomquist family.
or, donations may be made by check to:
Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc
PO Box 44
Independence, VA 24348
For other contribution options, please contact Brett Morris, Executive Director, at [email protected]