Ancil Blount (12-31-22) service 1-4-23

Ancil Newton Blount, 96, of Savannah, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 31. He was born March 19, 1926, in Savannah, the son of the late Arthur Morris (Doc) and Lura Falls Blount.

He was united in marriage to Betty Lou Clausel on July 16, 1950. Mrs. Blount preceded him in death on Feb. 23, 2021, following 70 years of marriage.

Mr. Blount was employed as a carpenter for Douglas Blount Construction following his graduation from high school. He entered the U.S. Army at the end of World War II and was stationed in Japan during the occupation and reconstruction. During the Korean Conflict, he returned to active duty and served as a Military Policeman in Korea. He also used his skills as a builder to construct various facilities for the Army. He was transferred to the Army Reserves in September of 1953 and returned to Hardin County where he worked as a self-employed carpenter. On Jan. 29, 1960, he received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army and went on to found B & R Lumber Company in Savannah, operating the business until it sold in 1981.

An astute businessman, he helped found First Federal Savings & Loan Association in Savannah in 1967. In 1968, he began another career as a farmer, one that he would eventually share with his sons. Quail hunting and playing dominos at “The Domino Shack,” were among his favorite activities. Along with his wife Betty Lou, Mr. Blount owned a Tennessee Walking Horse named “King Arthur,” that was trained by Bob Adkisson and shown in competition by Gene Allen Reed. He was a member of Savannah Church of Christ and oversaw construction of the new building in the early 2000’s.

He is survived by two sons, Freddy Blount and wife Janie, and Jonathan Blount, all of Savannah; two grandchildren, Jeremy Blount and wife Kelli of Bellevue, Tennessee, and Matthew Blount and wife Rebecca of Chapel Hill, Tennessee; six great-grandchildren, Jackson Blount, Keegan Blount, Easton Blount, Blaine Blount, Grayson Blount, and Carley Blount; a sister-in-law, Katie Sue Blount of Savannah; two special nieces, Yvetta Hilton of Savannah, and Jerri Moles of Byrdstown, Tennessee; and a host of extended family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Allie Matilda Jane Blount and Geneva Rinks; and seven brothers, Carl Williams Blount, Maxell Jason Blount, Arthur Morris Blount, Glen Robert Blount, James Douglas Blount, Delmas McKay Blount, and Danny Wayne Blount.

Services were held on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Savannah, with Barry Binion, Jonathan Blount, Jeremy Blount and Robert Shackelford officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Hermon Cemetery in Savannah. Serving as pallbearers were Jeremy Blount, Matthew Blount, Audrey Scott, Eddie Clausel, Randy Rinks and Ronnie White. Honorary Pallbearers were Dr. John Lay, Gene Allen Reed, Danny Joe Blount and J. C. Franks.

Memorials may be made to the Savannah Church of Christ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.