Buford Roscoe Blevins, Jr.

Buford Roscoe “Jack” Blevins, Jr., lifelong resident of Abingdon, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026. He was born on October 4, 1949, to Buford Roscoe Blevins, Sr. and Mary Buena Shipley Blevins. He was predeceased by both parents and his sister, Jill Blevins Beattie.

Jack is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 46 years, Iris Fuller Blevins; son, Buford Roscoe “Beau” Blevins, III and wife, Amy, of Crozet, VA; son Benjamin Winston Blevins and wife, Erin, of Youngsville, NC; and grandchildren, Alexandra Blevins, Atticus Blevins, and Reagan Blevins.

Jack is also survived by his sister, Judy Blevins Lloyd, and her husband, Winston, whom Jack considered his brother, of Jacksonville, FL; and nieces, Paige Beattie Abasolo,Heather Beattie Moser, and Gwen Beattie DeForge.

Jack was a 1968 graduate of Abingdon High School, where he was a star athlete, most notably as first baseman and quarterback for the baseball and football teams, respectively. He also excelled in basketball and golf.

Jack’s family had deep roots in Abingdon. His mother taught art within the Washington County school system for many years, and his father was the Southwest District Executive for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

After high school, Jack attended Emory & Henry College, graduating in 1972 with a degree in sociology. After graduating, he followed in the footsteps of his father, taking a job with the USDA and serving as its Smyth County director. In this role, he led the administration of federal farm programs as well as efforts to build a new federal office building.

In 1982, Jack took a leap of faith and purchased a commercial greenhouse operation in Abingdon, which came to be known as Blevins Greenhouses, Inc. He worked tirelessly to produce the highest-quality flowers, plants and vegetables, becoming particularly known for his geraniums and ferns. Jack owned and operated Blevins Greenhouses for 35 years.

Jack found much joy in spending summers in Montreat, NC, biking, fishing, hiking, and being outdoors with his family. He and Iris had a special connection to the Montreat community, often supporting many local projects and events.

Most notably, Jack approached all things in life through the lens of faith. He came to live by the phrase “Always grateful, abundantly blessed.”

Details on a celebration of life to come.

The family would like to extend special thanks to many of Jack’s close friends and to the staff at Gentiva Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emory & Henry University or Montreat College.