Rev. Joe Riley Blevins, age 88, of Crumpler, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Glenbridge Assisted Living in Boone. Born in Ashe County on Friday, November 19, 1937, Joe was the son of the late Paul Clifford and Beulah Cordelia Church Blevins. In addition to his parents, he is now joyfully reunited in faith with those who preceded him in death: his two brothers, James Ivan Blevins and Jack Blevins, and his sister, Wanda Sue Blevins.

His first occupation was a Brick Mason, working on buildings and jobs in the high country. Later he became a familiar and friendly face in Crumpler, Joe worked for many years as a local TV repairman and salesman, owning and operating Joe’s TV and Satellite Sales, connecting with his neighbors through his trade and his genuine warmth. However, his true calling was in the pulpit and in song. Rev. Blevins faithfully served many churches throughout the community over the years, becoming a licensed minister in 1975 and ordained in 1977. He provided spiritual guidance, comfort, and unwavering support to his congregations over many years. A joyful servant of the Lord, he also loved to travel, sharing his faith and his voice by singing at revivals and various church services across the east coast.

His memory and legacy will be carried forward by his surviving family: his son, Joe Mike Blevins and his wife Sarah of Crumpler; his daughter, Jill Pugh and her husband Brent of Piney Creek; and his two sisters, Dorothy Lyalls and Marcella Doby, both of Lansing, four grandsons, Brandon Blevins and wife Kahryn, Ryan Blevins and fiancé, Mackenzie Campbell, Logan Pugh, Grayson Pugh, two great-grandchildren, Rett Blevins and Ryn Blevins and several nieces and nephews, also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Carl Witherspoon and Rev. Lloyd Day. Burial will follow in the Scott Blevins Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Ashelawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to, Scott Blevins Cemetery Fund, c/o Roger Church, 453 Edwin Blevins Road, Lansing, NC 28643.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23