FRANKLIN—John E. Blow Jr., Senior Master Chief Retired, 68, of Bruce Street, Franklin, Va., passed May 21, 2011, while a patient in Courtland Healthcare Center.

John was born August 28, 1942, to John “Buster” Blow Sr. and Hazel Faltz Blow.

He joined Zion Southampton A.M.E.Z. Church at an early age.

John received his early and secondary education in Southampton County Schools. Upon graduation in 1960, he joined the United States Navy and traveled extensively.

John was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother, Charles Ozell Blow.

He leaves to cherish his memories, two sisters, Celestine Blow-High (Richard) of Chesapeake and Vera Y. Blow of Courtland; an aunt, Nessa Faltz Darden of Hampton; five nephews, Travis Griffin, Richard High Jr., Charley Taj Blow, Ian “Kris” Blow and Ivan Kristian Blow; three nieces, Tanya High-Brooks (Douglas), Christal Markowski, and Bridget Marie Blow; five great nephews, Travis “TJ” Griffin Jr., Cassidy Brooks, Alex Brooks, Richard “Tre” High III and Jaylen McKay; and a host of cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 28, 2011, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, Inc., 224 S. Main St., Franklin, Va. The interment will be in the Helping Hand Cemetery.

On Thursday evening the family received friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Please share your condolences with the family at www.wmjohnsonandsons.com.