Thomas E. "Tom" Blevins

Dr. Thomas E. (Tom) Blevins 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Dr. Thomas Blevins, 68, passed away on December 23, 2017, at Embrace Hospice House in Myrtle Beach, SC, after a long battle with ALS. He was born on March 8, 1949, in Welch, WV. He lived his entire life in southern West Virginia with the exception of his retirement years. He was a graduate of Northfork High School, Bluefield State College, Marshall University, and Virginia Tech. He had a long and established career in education, having taught at Elkhorn Jr. High from 1971-74 and Northfork High School from 1974-77. While there, he was the chess team coach and the Shakespearean Drama Society sponsor. Dr. Blevins came to Bluefield State College in 1976 and remained there until his retirement in 2012, serving the college in many capacities for 35 years. During his tenure at Bluefield State College, he was a Professor of English and Education, was the Director of the Instructional Technology Center, which later became the Center for Extended Learning having off-campus sites in Lewisburg, Beckley, and Summersville. He assisted with the development of over 200 online courses. He served as the Dean of the School of Education and Dean of the Virtual College. He served as interim President during 2000 and again from 2011-12. He worked for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission from 1999-2010, serving as the Chief Technology Officer for the state of West Virginia. He was a member of many professional organizations, local, state, and national, including serving as an evaluator for North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Dr. Blevins served on the Bluefield City Board of Directors from 2011-15. He was a member of the Bluefield Rotary International and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the Bluefield Elks Club and the Murrells Inlet Moose Club. He was a caring and charitable individual who put others before self. He was a loving father and husband who had many interests, including military history and travel. He valued his friendships with his peers, classmates, and former students. He was a member of Belin United Methodist Church in Murrells Inlet, SC. Survivors include his wife, Dr. Betty R. Rader of Murrells Inlet, SC; his three children, Tracy Perkins (John) of Williamsburg, VA, Jim (Lisa) of Bluefield, WV, and Matthew of Bluefield, WV; six grandchildren, Cora Perkins, Abigail Hash, Jacob Blevins, Ashley Diffenbach, Kassi Diffenbach, and Dawson Diffenbach. He is predeceased by his adoptive parents, Rev. C. C. and Bessie Blevins and his grandson, Travis Blevins. The family would like to express appreciation to Homewatch CareGivers of Murrells Inlet who assisted in his care in his final weeks. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church Bluefield, VA Saturday January 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends Friday January 5, 2018 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Mercer Funeral Home. Interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association at 7499 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223 and the Bluefield Union Mission at 2203 Bluefield Avenue, Bluefield, WV 24701.

Thomas E. "Tom" Blevins

March 8, 1949 - December 23, 2017