BLOUNT, Alston Wilcox Jr., M.D., died peacefully with his family by his side on September 9, 2014 in Richmond, Va., at the age of 81.
Dr. Blount is survived by his wife, Nancy Hughes Blount; five children, Alston W. Blount III of Boyds, Md., Margaret A. Blount of Richmond, Va., Michael A. Blount of Richmond, Va., Elizabeth N. Clifford of Tampa, Fla., Jennifer L. Blount of Richmond, Va.; and six grandchildren, Colin and Tatyana Blount, Adam Maxwell, Emily Clifford, William and Stuart Rowan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alston W. Blount Sr. and Annie Lee Funk Blount of Wilmington, N.C.
Dr. Blount was born on February 12, 1933 in Charleston, S.C. He graduated from Davidson College in 1954 and received his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1958. Dr. Blount served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1964 and upon receiving an Honorable Discharge, moved to Richmond, Va
He began his professional career as a staff cardiologist at the McGuire Veterans Medical Center and was promoted to chief of cardiology in 1965. His interest in cardiac medicine took him to MCV Hospital in 1966, where he served both on the teaching faculty and as the director of the Coronary ICU. In 1972, Dr. Blount formed Medical Specialist Inc., a multidisciplinary private practice, in collaboration with several colleagues to better serve the needs of the patient community.
Dr. Blount retired from Medical Specialists, Inc. in 1998 and worked for Cardiovascular Associates of Virginia until 2001 and part-time for the Social Security Administration until his full retirement in 2006. Dr. Blount was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease and named a fellow of both the American College of Physicians and American College of Cardiology. His professional appointments included president of the Medical Staff and a member of the Board of Directors at Retreat Hospital; chief of Internal Medicine at St. Mary’s Hospital and a member of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Academy of Medicine.
Throughout his life, Dr. Blount enjoyed a fulfilling personal life in the company of his wife of 56 years, two sons, three daughters, six grandchildren and many friends and colleagues. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of West Richmond and spent much of his free time pursuing his interests in gardening, woodworking, music, sailing and travel. Dr. Blount touched countless people throughout his life and will be remembered as an accomplished and dedicated physician, a passionate educator to many aspiring physicians and a loving husband, father and grandfather.
The family will receive visitors Friday evening, September 12, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Woody’s Funeral Home Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, Va. 23113. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday morning, September 13, 2014 at the Hollywood Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests honorariums in remembrance of Dr. Blount be sent to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Online condolences www.woodyfuneralhome.com