Ray Lawrence Blackburn

Blackburn, Ray Lawrence, 75, a resident of Georgiana went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 8, after a lengthly illness. He was born in Providence on Nov. 14, 1940 to Lynwood and Necie Ray Black Blackburn, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by: his beloved wife of 52 years, Brenda Enzor Blackburn; two sons, Craig Blackburn of Los Angeles and Chris (Amanda) Blackburn of Greenville; grandson, Johnathan McMillan of Montgomery; three brothers, Allen (Eddie Bell) Blackburn, his twin brother, Rex (Mary Ellen) Blackburn and Pat (Sara) Blackburn, all of Providence; several nieces and nephews.

Ray was a member of McGehee Baptist Church in Montgomery. He retired as principal of Georgia Washington Junior High in 1991. He and Brenda returned to the area where he grew up in 2006. He loved the Lord, his family, farming, hunting and fishing (in that order).

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Aug. 12 from Johnson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Keith Gambill (nephew) officiating and Chaplain Andy Peavy providing the music. Burial followed in Providence Cemetery with Johnson Funeral Home of Georgiana directing arrangements.

Pallbearers were nephews, Michael Blackburn, Phil Blackburn, Keith Blackburn, Joey Disney, Allen Smith, Bobby Smith, Rusty Smith and Alex Cooper. A Gathering of Family and Friends was Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Southern Care Hospice, Greenville, or to McGehee Road Baptist Church, Montgomery. Special thanks to Southern Care Hospice for all they did during Ray’s final days. Online condolences can be made at www.johnsongeorgiana.com.