Buford Blount, who was in his fourth decade as mayor of Bassfield, has died at the age of 87.

Blount had been elected to a ninth term in June. He died at his home Tuesday morning.

No official cause of death had been announced, but Blount’s colleagues said it appeared that Blount had suffered a heart attack following a workout on his treadmill at home.

Dianna Hutchinson, Bassfield court clerk, characterized Blount as the patriarch of the town.

Hutchinson said Alderwoman Pat Courtney would serve as mayor pro tem until a special election can be held to determine Blount’s replacement.