Thomas "Tip" Blizard, age 84 of Fultondale, passed away on Sunday January 24, 2021. In May 1960, at the age of 23, Tip enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a Private First Class for 2 years and served during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Tip was stationed in Berlin, Germany and was there to see the beginning of the Berlin Wall being built. He was always proud of serving during such times and enjoyed sharing his stories with his family and friends.
He was an active member of Fultondale First Baptist Church for 50 years and spent most of those years serving as an usher, another one of many duties he was proud to fulfill. He retired from the City of Birmingham Street Department after over 30 years of service.
He loved his city of Fultondale. He served the city as a councilman as well as serving on the Fultondale Gas Board and the Fultondale Park Board for many years. His love of the ballpark was continued as he was able to watch his grandchildren on the field for many years. He also served as President of the Fultondale Athletic Boosters Club.
Tip was an active member of the Birmingham Square Dance Association's Campers and Dance Group. He and Jo spent years traveling the state with their square dance group dancing and camping in so many of our state's campgrounds. He served on the BSDA Building Committee as the BSDA Friendship Dance Hall was built and opened in 1999.
Even after no longer being able to square dance like he did in his younger years, he continued to love camping. Some of his favorite moments were spent on Smith Lake camping with his grandchildren from the year they were born through just this past summer. He enjoyed teaching Matthew how to care for the camper and get everything set up for a great weekend.
Throughout his life, Tip made many meaningful friendships. This was evident by the number of times he would stop to chat with a friend as the family was leaving a restaurant or by his mornings spent at Jack's chatting with his friends.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann Blizard; children, Gina Blizard and Greg Blizard (Tracie); grandchildren, Matthew and Katie Blizard; brother, Bill Blizzard (Mabel); sisters, Carol Humber and Mickey Blizzard. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Graveside services will be held on Friday January 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Walker Chapel Memorial Gardens with Rev. Mika Marcrum officiating. There will be a private viewing for family prior to the service. Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Godsey, Mike Snider, Levi Snider, Luke Snider, Randy Williams, and Gene Hamby. Thomas "Tip" Blizard. A truly special man who will be missed by all. Arrangements are by Walker Chapel Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 205-849-5000, Fultondale.
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