Birth date: Sep 3, 1937 Death date: May 6, 2016
Alfred J. Blickensderfer, 78, of Decatur, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2016 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Al was born on September 3, 1937 in Knoxville, TN the son of Alfred and Virginia (Womble) Blickensderfer. He graduated from Read Obituary
I was a violin student of Al from about 1981-1985 in Decatur from age 5-9 or so. He was a gentle teacher that was encouraging and reinforced the importance of listening. It has been many years since then, but I can picture him sitting by the piano in the Millikin class room next to the open window, sipping his pipe, and grimacing with good-nature as I bungled Dvorak… I am sorry to see he is gone and I wish him eternal peace…
Know that I am thinking of all of you on this sad occasion. I had shared a humorous memory of Blickensderfer and O'Neil family encounters in Knoxville via Facebook earlier, but sadly AJ and I lost touch in adulthood although we kept up tangentially through John and Barbara. From what I knew of him as a teenager, I am positive that he would always have touched people in a positive, caring way throughout life and enriched theirs by freely sharing the knowledge and enthusiasm for learning he possessed. Forgive me if I quote from my own FB post, "He has left us his spirit's energy behind."Julie O'Neil ArnheimCharleston, SC
Dear Shirley, I can't believe he is gone. What a wonderful human being and a true artist and a man who was so interested in other cultures. You don't meet human beings like him every day. Always coming back from adverse situations healthwise proved how much he loved life and loved his family. He'll be missed by so many. Thinking of you and your whole family in this time of tremendous loss.
Susan and Family,I was sorry to learn of your loss. Although I never met your dad, I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of all of you during this time. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.Chuck MasonSpringfield, VA
Sorry for your loss Chris and family.
Lit a candle in memory of Alfred J. Blickensderfer
I am so saddened to read of Al's passing. He was such a great musician and wonderful human being. I always appreciated him so much when he played with us at Grace United Methodist Church in Decatur. My sincere sympathy to all his family. You shall be in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings
In December of 2014 my mother was in the hospital dying. Al stayed at the hospital with my distraught father until late at night as we drove in from out of state. After she passed on Christmas Day afternoon Al and Shirley invited us to their family Christmas dinner. To spend that evening surrounded by a family meant the world to my father and me. And the mincemeat pie was especially good! During my momâ??s funeral Al stood by my father, literally, during the hour long receiving line. My dad just needed the calm support that Al was able to offer just by his being there. I am forever grateful for Alâ??s help and support during that difficult time for my father, Leo Pondelick.
Mr. B was my violin teacher. He had such a calm way about him. I learned so much and excelled under his teaching. He even played at my wedding years after I had moved away. He was a very large part of my childhood memories. My condolences to the entire family.
I loved playing gigs with Al. He was always so fun to be with. I enjoyed visiting and talking about Spain and Puerto Rico as well as other travels.I will truly miss Al.
