Nelson Blackburn Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Nelson Lee (Blackie) Blackburn, 82, of Johnson City passed away on July 14, 2023, as a result of lung cancer.

Nelson was a Johnson City native. He was a graduate of Science Hill High School and Volunteer State, Gallatin, TN. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served as a paratrooper and parachute rigger in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Lee, Virginia. He was a member of The Retired Riggers Association.

Nelson was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and had ridden across the country to thirty-three states and Canada. He also enjoyed fishing.

He was in the casualty claims business for over thirty-seven years, retiring in 2004. His last position was that of Southeastern Regional Manager with Cambridge Integrated Services, Bristol, TN. He was past president of the Tri-Cities Claim Association.

Nelson was an animal lover and had a particular affinity for cats. He was proud of the fact that he domesticated a small feral tomcat that became his "buddy" and sleeping partner for a number of years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Spencer Blackburn; his mother, Martha O'Dell Blackburn; his sisters Phyllis Fillers and Sharon Barnett and daughter Eugenia Bashor.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Jenkins Blackburn; one son, Max Spencer Blackburn; four grandchildren, Spencer Blackburn, Tori Skipper, Franna Blackburn-Street and Chase Tidwell; three nieces, Patti Greer, Carol Burkett, and Jama Darnell; one nephew, Rodney Jenkins and three great grandchildren, Olivia Skipper, Trey Skipper, and Kane Blackburn.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Blackburn family. (423) 610-7171.