Obituary: Joseph Egbert "J.E." Blizzard

March 24, 1940  -  August 18, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph Egbert "J.E." Blizzard of Kinston, North Carolina, on Monday, August 18, 2025. He was born on March 24, 1940, to the late Verdie Estelle Turner Blizzard and Walter Lee Blizzard.

J.E. was a devoted husband to Annie Marie Whaley Blizzard for 66 years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Annie Marie Blizzard; his son, Kenneth R. Blizzard, and daughter-in-law, Kristi Blizzard, of Kinston; his grandson, William Hayden Blizzard, who is currently enrolled at the University of Mississippi "Ole Miss"; his brother, Walter McKinley Blizzard, and sister-in-law, Carol Blizzard; and his sister, Peggy Rhodes, and brother-in-law, Gene Rhodes. He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Walter Blizzard.

J.E. was a man of strong faith, a devoted husband and father, and an incredibly successful businessman. He was a leader in the flooring industry and served as a board member for The Little Bank and Union Bank. Over the years, he was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Jaycees, Masons, Lions Club, and his cherished Neusiok Club. J.E. had a successful 28-year career with The Sherwin-Williams Company before founding Contract Flooring & Design in 1989, which is now known as Blizzard Contract Flooring.

Those who had the privilege of knowing J.E. will remember his quick wit, strong work ethic, boyish charm, keen business acumen, and, most importantly, the special way he made everyone around him feel.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that all donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital of Memphis, Tennessee; The Shriners Children's Hospital; or Spilman Memorial Baptist Church of Kinston, North Carolina.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15