Hugh Blaine

FRANKLIN - Hugh Louin Blaine, 87, entered eternal rest Friday, Sept. 12, 2025.
He was born Sept. 13, 1937, in Franklin, where many of his ancestors were born and raised. In 1956 Hugh felt the need to broaden his horizons, so after graduating from high school, he took a job with the FBI.
Shortly thereafter, in December 1956, Hugh married his high school sweetheart, Gaynelle Downs. They lived in southeast D.C. until they bought a place of their own in Alexandria, Virginia. They were soon blessed with two children, Judith and Michael.
He left the government in 1960 to work in the private sector, but in 1965 he returned to federal government employment, using his skills in computer programming and operations, which he learned at night school. He spent the next 28 years working as a "government employee" as he called it. He was so adamant about his oath of allegiance, which he signed after being hired by the CIA, that his family never knew what he did at the agency.
In 1966 he and Gaye bought a house in Charles County, Maryland, where they were charter members of First Baptist Church of Saint Charles. Here they made many lifelong friends. Finally, he retired in 1993 and shortly after moved back to Franklin with his wife to spend time on his wife's family farm.
He worked hard to provide educational opportunities for his children, and he rarely missed their musical performances or games. He personified honest work to his children and expected them to follow his example. He loved to fish and enjoyed NASCAR, especially when the driver was from North Carolina. He was overjoyed when each of his three grandsons were born and he equally cherished his three great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Gaye, and son-in-law, Brian Stewart.
He is survived by his daughter, Judith Blaine-Stewart; son, Michael (Barbara Lilly) Blaine; grandsons, Hunter (Christine) Stewart, Harrison (Tereza) Stewart and Dwight Blaine; and great-grandchildren, Alexandra Blaine, Vendelin Stewart and Borivoj Stewart.
Upon Hugh's request, a private ceremony was held at Iotla Baptist Church.