Dr. John Gray Blount

April 5, 1935 - September 18, 2022
Dr. John Gray Blount

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Dr. John Gray Blount passed away on Sunday morning, September 18, 2022 at age 87.

Born and raised in Washington by Samuel Masters and Sue Stacy Blount, with his brother Sam Jr., he was among the first undergraduate class of Morehead Scholars at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he also attended medical school. He trained further in internal medicine and infectious diseases at Duke University after an internship in St. Louis and a two-year stint as an Air Force doctor in Florida. In 1966, he and his family returned to Washington where he set up a private medical practice from which he served the area for over 35 years.

At age 22 he married his childhood sweetheart, Mary Howard Bowen, and they were married for 65 years. They raised three daughters who all attended UNC-Chapel Hill: Stacy Divine (Robert) of Chattanooga, TN; Mary Angel Blount (Dave Krech) of Morgantown, WV; and Emily Mayne (Winfield) of Washington.

As a doctor he counseled and cajoled his patients to quit smoking, lose weight (and soak it!); he was also accomplished at managing diabetes and infectious diseases.

He loved the water and became an accomplished sailor and racer, winning numerous championships. He competed regionally and nationally in men’s doubles tennis. A man of fearless authenticity, he advocated zealously for conservation of the quality of water in his beloved Pamlico River, from which he sailed in his later years 15 times to the Bahamas, island hopping through the Spring with his wife and often visited by family. Local hearty friends would crew the ship each way.

He was an avid amateur historian and geographer, focusing first on his own celebrated and well-documented Blount family as a window into the details of their times. He had a knack for personalizing history and could tell tales of times past as if he had been there. He preferred local subjects including Blackbeard and the Lost Colony, but with him a brief interaction could begin a recitation of the history of the entire world.

He had a passion for the underdog, and he mentored a stream of people–young and old–who crossed his path. In mid-life he made a strong turn toward the Lord, and he never turned back. Many local churches experienced his zeal and joy. He would tell anyone who would listen about how much Jesus loved them and, as he neared the end, how much he longed to be with the Lord.

At age 77 he underwent extensive radiation to treat prostate cancer. The cancer was eliminated, but the treatment left him with complications that he met with courage, strength, and remarkable humor. He passed away at Vidant Beaufort County Hospital where he had worked so many years.

Dr. Blount is survived by his wife and daughters mentioned above, his nephew Clayton Blount and niece Dena Blount Gearhartt, and his sisters-in-law Josephine Paul of Washington and Emily Brown Blount of Raleigh. He is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed, but we rejoice in knowing that we will be together again.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30-8:00pm at The Joseph B. Paul Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be on Thursday, September 22 at 10:30 am at Church of the Good Shepherd, Washington, NC.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to be assisting the Blount family.




Memorial Service

Thursday, September 22, 2022
10:30 AM

Church of The Good Shepherd - Directions
2425 N. Market Street
Washington, NC 27889
252-945-4231

Visiting Hours

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service
  • Wednesday, September 21, 2022
  • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

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  • April 09, 2023
    Diane Wyman Brenum says:
    Dr. Blount warmly welcomed me into his home when he learned we were cousins through our Angel ancestors in Amelia County, VA. He took me to the cemetery where he'd tended our relatives' plots with care and fond remembrance. I'm sorry to learn of his passing, but grateful to know he is with our Father. Warmest regards and (belated) condolences to those who miss him.

  • October 03, 2022
    Ava Paul lit a candle:
    Lit since October 3, 2022 at 10:20:55 PM

  • October 02, 2022
    Suzanne and Mike Gray says:
    Dear Mary Howard and Family, We just learned of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike and I will always enjoy the memories of the tennis team that won the national championship. I doubt they would have made it if John Gray had not given some good advice about drinking water, how to handle cramps, and alka seltzer. He was truly a jewel and will be greatly missed. Deepest Sympathy, Suzanne and Mike Gray

  • September 26, 2022
    Terrie Msrsh lit a candle:
    Lit since September 26, 2022 at 9:43:27 PM

  • September 25, 2022
    Phillip McRoy says:
    John and I sailed with and against many races. Always friends will remember him as long as I live. In mountains did not here of his passing until today Sunday 25th. My thoughts and prayers are with his family that he loved so dearly. Phil McRoy

  • September 24, 2022
    Larry Sipe lit a candle:
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  • September 24, 2022
    Larry Sipe lit a candle:
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  • September 23, 2022
    Jimmy Oakley says:
    My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. John was not only a friend but a fishing partner when we were albe

  • September 22, 2022
    Kim and Todd Roberson lit a candle:
    Lit since September 22, 2022 at 9:36:22 PM

  • September 22, 2022
    Kim and Todd Roberson lit a candle:
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  • September 22, 2022
    Lee and Mary Tankard says:
    John Gray will be greatly missed by all that were priviledged to know him. Your family is in our thoughts during this time of loss.

  • September 22, 2022
    Cathy Craig lit a candle:
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  • September 21, 2022
    Mike and Billy Everett lit a candle:
    Lit since September 21, 2022 at 9:45:17 PM

  • September 21, 2022
    Kevin Jones says:
    Blount family, I am so sorry to hear the news of Dr. Blount. He was a great man of the community, and I remember him always as a pleasant gentleman. My dad thought the world of him. May God grant you peace and strength.

  • September 21, 2022
    Connie Berry Seagle lit a candle:
    Lit since September 21, 2022 at 9:51:05 PM

  • September 21, 2022
    Suzanne Woolard says:
    Dr. John Gray Blount touched so many lives - his legacy of impact will continue on in the ancestors of those he “treated”. And he treated with kindness and good standards. He was nourished by the love of his life and his family. Godspeed Dr Blount - much much Love!

  • September 21, 2022
    Russ Krainiak says:
    We' lol miss you John. See you on the other side.

  • September 21, 2022
    Elaine Staley Briley lit a candle:
    Lit since September 21, 2022 at 9:22:59 PM

  • September 21, 2022
    Elaine Staley Briley says:
    What a privilege to have Dr. John Gray Blount as a friend. I first met him as patients and later worked for him for seven years. Our path would often cross and after brief exchange and greeting, John Gray would talk the Lord Jesus Christ. My prayers and condolences to Mary Howard, his daughters and grandchild.

  • September 21, 2022
    Diane Wilkes Wood says:
    I spent lots of time in the Blount home back in my schooldays! My memories of those days are warm and happy! Dr. and Mrs. Blount always treated me like family. Dr. Blount even had an endearing nickname for me! As an adult, I have seen John Gray and Mary Howard on a number of occasions, usually in worship of our Lord and Savior. I came to realize they were my brother and sister in Christ as well as the parents of Stacy, my good friend from high school! Stacy, thank you for always inviting me into your home. I pray that you all feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit as you grieve the passing of your husband and father. Much love to you all, in Christ, Diane Wilkes Wood

  • September 21, 2022
    Linda C Clark says:
    John Gray once asked me to play this hymn... He had a great singing voice and loved singing to the Lord.. "There's a Wideness in God's Mercy" Sail on Doctor John Gray... until that great getting-up morning...

  • September 21, 2022
    Gail Gorham Flowers says:
    Stacy & Family, My sincere condolences to you and your family. May your hearts find peace and comfort from so many wonderful memories. Hugs to to all.

  • September 21, 2022
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    Lit since September 21, 2022 at 9:30:25 AM

  • September 20, 2022
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  • September 20, 2022
    Derik Davis says:
    My love and prayers are with Mary Howard and all the family. John Gray was a dear man of God who brought the Love of Jesus and the Power of The Holy Spirit to many. I am, so fortunate to have been one of those.

  • September 20, 2022
    Rob Southern says:
    Mary Howard and family, I am sending hugs and my condolences. What a blessing having your dad in my life, especially my formulative years at North Shores. I send prayers and love to all.

  • September 20, 2022
    Greg Purser lit a candle:
    Lit since September 20, 2022 at 9:01:36 PM

  • September 20, 2022
    Derik Davis says:
    My love and prayers to Mary Howard, his daughters and my favorite teacher, Josephine Paul. John Gray brought much comfort and powerful witness to me during many rough times. John Gray was a mighty warrior for Our Lord.

  • September 20, 2022
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  • September 20, 2022
    Carol Griffin says:
    Thinking of you all during this time and remembering you in prayer.

  • September 20, 2022
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  • September 19, 2022
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  • September 19, 2022
    Henry Kidd says:
    So sorry to hear about John Gray. Love to all the Blount. Henry and Amanda

  • September 19, 2022
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    Lit since September 19, 2022 at 9:19:46 PM

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  • September 19, 2022
    Ginger Woolard Newbold says:
    I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Blount's passing, but I know he is up in Heaven celebrating! I will never, ever forget him. He taught me how to water ski, and I enjoyed spending time at the river with the Blount family. May God wrap His arms around you and give you peace as you navigate life without him. Thinking of you and holding you close in my heart.

  • September 19, 2022
    Audrey Kelder Wilson says:
    I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Blount was a name well known in our home growing up. Not only was he dad’s physician for several years but as you know, they spent many, many hours together on the tennis courts. Heaven gained another angel. I’m sure dad will be waiting to welcome you on the tennis courts of Heaven. Lifting you all in prayer for strength and comfort!

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