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Ricky Blunt, Sr., a native of Franklin, Virginia, exemplified resilience, faith, and community leadership throughout his life. Born on May 16, 1956, he was a proud graduate of Virginia State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1979. While at VSU, he joined the Esquire Club and was initiated into the Alpha Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, Ricky served faithfully as Chair of the Board of Deacons. His unwavering faith saw him through a 27-year health journey, including overcoming kidney failure with a transplant donated by his sister, Annette, and enduring stage IV prostate cancer for eight years. Ricky openly shared his journey, inspiring many as a ""walking miracle.""Ricky was a successful entrepreneur and transportation professional. He proudly operated Franklin Bus Service, a business he acquired from his father, managing a fleet that served the East Coast and beyond. Recognized as Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce's Businessman of the Year in 1996, Ricky later led transportation departments for public schools in Franklin and Southampton County, retiring in 2019.His contributions to the community were extensive. From serving on the Franklin City School Board at age 25 to co-founding the Buffalo Riders Equestrian Club and Citizens Create Change, Ricky demonstrated a passion for leadership and advocacy. Notably, he led efforts to rename Blackhead Signpost Road in Southampton County to Signpost Road.An avid horseman, Ricky cherished trail riding and spending time with his family. His adventurous spirit and love for life shone through in every endeavor, from poolside gatherings to building his koi pond.Ricky's legacy of love and leadership lives on through his devoted wife of 40 years, Dorothy Key Blunt; his children, Ricky Deon Blunt, Jr. (Megan) and Rickeita Blunt Jones (Chris); his cherished grandchildren, Ricky Blunt III, Mason Deon Blunt, Christen Jones, and Christopher Blunt Jones (CJ); his siblings, and a host of family and friends.Ricky Blunt, Sr. will be remembered as a pillar of strength, a devoted husband and father, and a servant leader whose life embodied perseverance, purpose, and faith. Rickeita Blunt Jones is an accomplished educator and leader with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Virginia Union University and a Master of Education in Supervision and Administration from Virginia State University. Her career spans roles as a science teacher, science department chair, Program Manager for alternative education, elementary school Principal, and her current position as an Instructional Coach, where she empowers teachers to enhance instructional practices, integrate technology, and use data to drive student success. In 2024, she launched the Educators in Faith Conference, a platform inspiring educators to balance faith and pedagogy while fostering supportive, values-driven learning environments. As co-founder of the Blunt Legacy Farm Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Rickeita provides equestrian experiences for youth, promoting confidence, responsibility, and inclusion. Through her work, she hopes to create opportunities that empower educators, inspire students, and strengthen communities.
