V. E. Blackie Blackburn

Virgil Everett Blackburn went to his eternal home on July 3, 2012. Everett (Blackie) Blackburn was born on December 6, 1922, in Richland, Texas to a farming family. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944. His tour led him to parts of the world he had only heard about. Upon his discharge, he relocated to Tyler, Texas where he met Jean Dingler and their 63 year journey began on October 27, 1948. His union with Jean brought his pride and joy, daughters Linda and Jenny.

Blackie and Jean settled in Dayton in 1956, continuing his 34 year career with Texaco. He loved his work in the oil field and made life long friends there. In retirement he was able to enjoy his favorite pastimes of gardening and woodworking. Blackie loved his God and his church. He faithfully served as an Elder at Liberty Church of Christ for numerous years. Often on Sundays you could find him leading the singing at the pulpit. His commitment and dedication to the Lord made him a role model for many.

Mr. Blackburn was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph C. and Esther Fannin Blackburn, sister; Rhea Harris, and brothers; James, Lawrence, and Joseph C. Blackburn, Jr. Blackie is survived by his wife of 63 years; Jean, his daughters; Linda Harris and husband Larry and Jenny Senter and husband Bob, sister; Ruby Blackburn Radney and husband Johnny, brother; Floyd Blackburn and wife Charlotte, grandchildren; Laura Harris Ressler and husband Richie, Leanne Harris Strickland and husband Jason, Lindsey Scoggins, Leslie Scoggins Gandy and husband Rob, Shelby Scoggins, and Clark Senter, great-grandchildren; Luke Ressler, and Logan and Lanie Strickland, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton on Thursday, July 5, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 6, 2012, at the Liberty Church of Christ with interment to follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton. Pallbearers will be Tony Park, Daniel Balch, Phillip Strickhausen, Shannon Smith, Danny Balch and Ricky Strange. Honorary Pallbearers are Don Taylor, Bobby Rader, Robert Ward, Ken Coleman, Bob Parker, Clodis Cox and E.E. “Buster” Cost. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Liberty Church of Christ, Family Life Center, 3201 N. Main, Liberty, Texas 77575.