James Harvie Blackburn

Mr. James Harvie Blackburn, age 90, of Roaring River passed away Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Atrium Health Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, NC.

Harvie was born July 16, 1933, in Wilkes County to Charlie Everette and Connie Sparks Blackburn. He served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Japan from 1954-1956, right after the end of the Korean war. He rose in rank from an Airman First Class to a Tech. Sergeant, skipping a rank, and worked as a Rubber Products Repairman on a B-36 Bomber, which he described as a “monstrous plane”.  Later in life, he retired from Chatham Manufacturing Company.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday September 11, 2023, at Rachel Baptist Church in Roaring River, NC with Rev. Brian Wiles officiating. Burial with military honors by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1142 Honor Guard will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:30 pm prior to the service at the church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his youngest son, James “Eddie” Blackburn in 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Dixie Pardue Blackburn of the home; two daughters, Criss Blackburn (Randy) of Decatur, GA, Kim Fulton (Jim) of Roaring River, NC; one son, Daryl Blackburn (Kay) of Roaring River, NC; daughter in law, Annette Blackburn of State Road, NC, wife of Eddie; eight grandchildren, Fain Barker (Josh) of Clayton, NC, Jamie Blackburn (Olivia) of Mons, Belgium, Kristin Fulton of Henrico, VA, Lucas Fulton (Calle) of Johnson City, TN, Samantha Comer (Josh) of State Road, NC, Allison Newman of North Wilkesboro, NC, Kelsey Blackburn (Alex) of Burlington, NC, Mindy Blackburn of Wilkesboro, NC; eight great-grandchildren, Hadley, Reese, and Caison Blackburn (Jamie), Dixon and Emilyn Barker, (Fain) Nevaeh, David, and Sloane Comer (Samantha); two brothers, Jesse Blackburn (Wilma), and Travis Blackburn of Roaring River, NC.

Harvie was married to his “doll”, Dixie, for almost 67 years. Together, they built a wonderful life in Roaring River for themselves and their four children. Papa Harvie and Nanny Dixie welcomed eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and enjoyed spoiling each and every one of them. Papa made many memories with his grandchildren making birdhouses, having target practice, riding four wheelers, fishing in the river, gardening, riding tractors, teaching us how to drive a stick shift in the field in his old pickup truck.

Harvie was known for his love and dedication to his family, his hard work ethic, love of tractors, and his devout passion for reading. He is beloved by his family and will be missed dearly.

Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Rachel Baptist Church Missionary Fund, 6388 White Plains Road, Roaring River, NC 28669.           

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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