Paul C. Blevins, 77; Had Staged His Funeral Early
SHADY VALLEY, Tenn. — Paul C. Blevins died Monday, 11 years after he staged his own funeral because he wanted to be on hand to enjoy the festivities.
Blevins was 77 and died apparently after a heart attack at his northeast Tennessee home where he entertained 3,000 people in May, 1976. Blevins, a retired cook, had specified that no mourners be on hand for his second and final funeral.
In an interview two weeks ago with the Knoxville News Sentinel, Blevins said he was fulfilling a childhood dream when he invited friends and family to view his mock funeral.
The 400-pound, handmade wild cherry wood casket used during the first funeral and again this week had served as Blevins’ living room coffee table.
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