Rex Eugene Blalock

Mr. Rex Eugene Blalock

Thomson - Mr. Rex Eugene Blalock “REB”, aged 73 of Thomson, Georgia answered the call from our Lord and Savior on Thursday afternoon; April 30th, 2026. He will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. His devoted wife, Mandy Blalock, daughter-in-law Katy Blalock, grandson Alden Blalock, and his two sons: John and Richard Blalock will carry on with pieces of him in their hearts.

A Celebration of life visitation will be held at the Thomson McDuffie Country Library Saturday, May 16th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There will be Chess boards set up come visit with family and friends and play a game of Chess in Rex's Memory. 

Rex was born on April 7th, 1953, in Thomson; but experienced a lot of his childhood in “Lower Alabama” on a small farm just above the Florida panhandle. He also lived some of those early years in El Paso, Texas. His family moved back to Thomson, Georgia by the time he was in high school. He was the son of Ethma Reese-Littlefield and Joseph Blalock. Rex also had a younger brother named Rickey Blalock—Ethma, Joe, and Rickey preceded him in death.

He was a computer programmer for a few years after high school with a technical degree in that field. However, his true passion, chess, would eventually lead him along his life's journey. Enthralled by the international news coverage and drama of legendary chess prodigy Bobby Fischer vs the Soviet Union's finest, Rex dreamed of becoming a chess master himself! In 1984 he earned the title of U.S. Chess Master and won the Georgia State Chess Championship in 1987 and again in 1996. Rex also won the Greater Alabama Chess Open in 1994.

In 1997 Rex met the love of his life (and fellow chess player) Armanda “Mandy” through an internet chess tournament. They were an ocean apart, however, as Mandy's home was in Portugal! Rex moved to Portugal and lived there until they moved back to the U.S. in 2011. In those years, Rex and Mandy were happily wedded, and they played in countless chess tournaments together in different countries all around Western Europe.

After moving back to The States in 2011, Rex and Mandy enjoyed a more relaxed life where he loved a great BBQ, a good laugh, SEC football, and the off-hand game of chess with family, friends, and a slightly lesser rival of his by the name of U.S. Master Donny Gray.

Rex E. Blalock was an easy-going type who made friends everywhere. He will be missed and remembered by many not only in the United States, but also by many friends and extended family in Portugal and Europe as well.

Lowe Funeral Home 77 West Gibson Street Warrenton, Georgia 30828

Honoring Lives, Celebrating Memories and Supporting Families!

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