Rev. Dr. Joseph Edward Blount

Reverend Dr. Joseph Edward Blount, age 96, a man of prayer and a soul winner for His Savior Jesus Christ, joined his beloved wife Mary Frances in Heaven on February 3, 2026.

Born November 5, 1929, into the farming family of Clarence and Kittie Blount of Durant, FL, he had a lifetime love for growing things and the possibilities that good soil and seed would produce. Working the farm with his parents and seven siblings, his involvement with Future Farmers of America gave way to a life committed to the harvest of souls. This 15-year-old farm boy left the land for Southwestern Bible College (now Nelson University) in Waxahachie, TX and later graduated from Southeastern Bible Institute (now Southeastern University) in Lakeland, FL. This education and ministry training also opened his eyes and heart to a beautiful student from Greenville, Mary Frances Baity. She became his lifetime "honey heart" in their 74-year marriage and partnership in ministry.

Edward Blount arose early every morning (as most farmers do) to dig into God's word and pray. He and his younger brother-missionary and musician Reverend Roland Blount (blind since age 7)-both held a lifetime of wonder that God would choose them. As a seed planting pastor, Edward and Frances started a church in Gate City, VA where he laid most of the concrete blocks himself. He started and pastored churches in DeLand, FL and Cebu City, Philippines. He pastored in Cedar Bluff, VA and First Assembly Greenville, SC and planted Christian Assembly also in Greenville.

During his time as a missionary to the Philippines, he taught at Immanuel Bible College in Cebu City, and served the college as administrator, also giving leadership as the Philippine District Superintendent. Travelling to various islands, he preached to people living in primitive villages with no modern conveniences or Christian witness.

Edward Blount served on the Board of Regents for Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL, and Lumbee River Christian College in Shannon, NC. He was instrumental in the establishment of WLFJ Radio in Greenville and served on its Board of Directors. As Assistant District Superintendent and District Superintendent, he oversaw 119 Assemblies of God churches in South Carolina. On a national level, he served as an Assemblies of God General Presbyter and was a member of the Assemblies of God Missions Board.

Upon his retirement Edward Blount continued to plow and plant as a staff member of First Assembly of God in Goldsboro, NC and his final pastorate at Trinity Assembly in Greenville.

The life legacy of this farm boy turned soul winner is best captured in Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath," and Proverbs 11:30, "He that winneth souls is wise."

Among those living who knew well the gentle wisdom of Edward Blount are his brother, Reverend Roland Blount of Plant City, FL; daughters Joy Painter (Ralph) of Greenville, SC; Jaque Sweet (Alan) of Liberty, SC; and Jan Benton (Randy) of Columbia, SC. Frances and Edward have sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren: Jonathan Painter (Sharon); Jacki Lollar (Jason) and their children, Josiah, Jude, and Juliana; Jinjer Haskett (Daniel) and their children, Julia, Josephine, and Jack; Jana Jones and her son, Liam; Jaremy Sweet (Kimberly) and their daughters, Linden and Nola; Jenifer Patton (Adam) and their children, Savanah, Cosette, Joseph, Penelope, and Amelia; Justin Sweet (Gretchen) and their children, Campbell and Curry; Jayme Benton; and Joseph Benton (Lauren) and their son, James-all of whom honor him with cherished memories of a life well lived.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, Greenville, SC, followed by the funeral service to celebrate his life at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Livestream by clicking on the "WATCH EVENT" button located in the Services section.

Donations may be made for the Building Fund of Greater Life Church, Locust, NC, started and pastored by Reverend Daniel and Jinjer Haskett. Edward and Frances Blount were the first contributors to this fund, which was later named in their honor.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Reverend Blount with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".