FRANKLIN, VA – Franklin Roosevelt “Ike” Blythe, 83, passed away on Sept. 9, 2015, after a three-year fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr. Blythe was a native of Southampton County, and was a son of the late Hunter and Allie Griffin Blythe. He was also predeceased by three sisters, Ruby B. Nelms, Allie Mae Blythe and Nancy Carolyn Blythe; and five brothers, Melvin, Kelly, D.C., Clint and Ed Blythe.

Mr. Blythe was a retired paper maker for Union Camp Corporation; a Navy veteran during the Korean Conflict; a 1951 graduate of Franklin High School; a member of the Franklin Masonic Lodge, and Sedley Hunt Club; former Virginia National Guardsman; and a member of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

He was known for his homemade candy making, especially his peanut brittle and fudge.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Jackie Spivey Blythe; two daughters, Gwen B. Payne (Ricky) of Courtland, VA, and Dawn B. Nelson (Tim) of Conway, North Carolina; one son, Andrew F. Blythe (Wanda) of Courtland, VA; two sisters, Katherine B. Parker (Tim) of Gates County, North Carolina; and Irene B. Bulls (James) of Sedley, VA; five grandchildren, Jill Payne Grant (Erich), Sarah Payne, Tyler Blythe (Crystal), April Blythe and Hunter Nelson; three great-grandsons, Logan Banks, Noah Banks and Fischer Grant; his dear pet “Buddy;” and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral was conducted on Friday, September 11 in Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, VA, with Pastor Randy Wright officiating. Burial followed at PoplarSpringCemetery.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family would like to thank Nikki Vaughan and Southampton Memorial Hospital Home HealthCare and Debbie Kitchen and Comfort Keepers for their help in taking care of Ike.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.