George Benjamin Blum, Jr.

George B. Blum, Jr. died on November 24, 2013 at Rex Hospital. The son of the late George B. and Genevieve Blum, he was born Aug. 20, 1927 in Middleburg, NC where he lived until he graduated from the former Middleburg High School. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he earned B.S. and M.A.E. degrees from N.C. State University. George did not exit the campus of N.C. State until 41.5 years later, remaining to teach and eventually earn Professor Emeritus status in the department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. He was the undergraduate Teaching Coordinator for 22 years. Having served as advisor to over 1900 students, he received numerous teaching awards and is recognized by many as the most outstanding teacher and advisor in the history of the department. Students nominating Professor Blum for honors cited traits such as genuine concern, friendliness, professionalism, patient counsel, and motivational skills. Upon retirement, he was awarded the 1992 Massey-Ferguson Educational Gold Medal presented by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, being cited for his unparalleled dedication to academic excellence and for serving his students as teacher, advisor, friend and role model. In addition to building young lives and being considered a major contributor to N.C. States reputation for building one of the top agricultural engineering programs in the country, George also enjoyed building, with his own hands, a home and tennis court in Raleigh as well as a beautiful house in his beloved vacation spot, Nags Head. George was a person of deep faith, being nurtured in both Baptist and Methodist churches in Middleburg. In Raleigh he served as a deacon and elder at White Memorial Presbyterian Church where he served on numerous committees. Currently he is a member of Western Blvd Presbyterian Church. An avid fan of Wolfpack athletics, George served as a statistician at mens and womens basketball games for over 40 years. His favorite sports to play were basketball, tennis and golf. He also had a soft place in his heart for animals, especially his Great Danes and kitties. He will be greatly missed by his big black kittie, Deva. In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Rudd Blum. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy DuBose-Blum of Raleigh; sister, Marjorie Blum Gentry of Hamilton, VA; son George Wesley Blum of Burlington; daughter Elizabeth Blum Brummond (Scott) of Raleigh; son Rodger Fleming Blum (William Seigh) of Greenfield, Mass.; and son Charles Ernest Blum (Jill) of Sanford. He is survived by three granddaughters, Laura McGarr of Boone and Mackenzie and Sydney Blum of Sanford; sister-in-law Stephanie DuBose Williams (Daryl); 7 nephews and many great nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved. George also felt blessed to be surrounded by a number of very close friends. A service of witness to the resurrection and in celebration of Georges life will be held Sunday, Dec. 1 at Western Blvd. Presbyterian Church, 4:00 pm, with Rev. Betty Connette officiating. A graveside service will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park on Monday, Dec. 2 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Western Blvd. Presbyterian Church (4900 Kaplan Drive 27606); the NC-Ag Foundation for the Barbara and George Blum Scholarship Endowment (Campus Box 7645, Raleigh NC 27695); or Loaves and Fishes Ministry, Inc. (P.O. Box 14596, Raleigh NC 27620).