Alvia J. “Alvie” Blakney, 94, of Burnsville, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2024, at his residence.

Alvia was a dedicated pillar of Tishomingo County, known for his unwavering commitment to his community, family, and friends. He graduated from Burnsville High School in 1947 and completed two years at Northeast Mississippi Community College. A proud veteran, Alvia served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War. Following his military service, he pursued higher education at Mississippi State University, earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He continued his academic pursuits, accumulating credits toward a doctorate throughout his professional life.

Alvia wore several hats throughout his career, all focused on community service. From 1956 to 1964, he served as a teacher, basketball coach, and assistant principal at Burnsville High School. His dedication to public service extended into local politics, where he served Tishomingo County for 24 years as tax assessor (1964-1968), tax assessor and collector (1968-1976), and superintendent of education (1976-1988). After retiring from the Tishomingo County School System, Alvia worked for Woodmen of the World Insurance before becoming Director of the Tishomingo County Development Foundation in 2000, retiring for the third time in 2004.

Alvia was deeply involved in numerous organizations aimed at enhancing education and economic conditions in the region. He held leadership roles in the Northeast Mississippi Association of School Superintendents, Tishomingo County Development Foundation, Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, and various other boards and committees. Alvia was also a member of the State Advisory Council on Vocational Education, the Northeast Mississippi Incubator System, the Retired Educators’ Association, Tishomingo County Democratic Executive Committee, and the Tishomingo County Electric Power Board. He was a 60 plus year member of the Burnsville Masonic Lodge #233 F&AM, served on the Board of Trustees for the Northeast Mississippi Community College for more than 20 years, and was a long-time member of the Burnsville Methodist Church.

When he wasn’t spending his time working in the community, he enjoyed working in his yard, DIY home projects, camping, and spending time with his friends and family. Above all, Alvia was a devoted and loving husband to Barbara for almost 67 years. He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Alvia is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Blakney; his daughter, Vicki Blakney Eveland; his grandsons, Nichols Blake Eveland and Tyler Brett Eveland; his brother-in-law, Freeman Medley; his nieces, Kimberly Medley Craft (Stefan), Rhonda Dooley, and Trista Smith (Kim); his nephew, Brent Medley; and a host of other loved family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joey Blakney; his father, Thomas Henry Blakney (Alma); his mother, Mary Bea Whitaker Blakney; and his brother, Abe Junior Blakney.

Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka, officiated by Bro. Dwayne Thomas. Pallbearers will be Stefan Craft, Tyler Eveland, Nick Eveland, Kim Smith, Chase McGee, and Dakota Dooley. Honorary pallbearers include Chester Blakney, Jerry Bonds, Jeff Burcham, Doyce Burney, Patrick Eaton, Tim Grissom, Ricky Inlow, Malcomb Kuykendall, Gary Matthew, Brent Medley, David Nixon, Terry Rorie, William Whitaker, and Eddie Woodruff. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.