Ben T. Blackburn, Sr., age 91, of Roy Eaker Road, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, at his residence.

He was born January 30, 1933, in Ashe County, NC to the late Rev. Edward Eugene Blackburn and Ollie Margaret Clawson Blackburn. Ben was a graduate of Elkland High School, class of 1952. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Ben retired after 33 years from Carolina Freight. He was a lifelong member of First Wesleyan Church and a true Christian gentleman. Ben was a defender of the unloved, always acknowledging that everyone is worthy of being treated with kindness. He was tenderhearted and had a smile for everyone because he said you never knew the day that someone may be having. Ben enjoyed hunting and fishing. His greatest pastime was moments spent with his family and his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Betty Younce Blackburn; infant daughter, Susan Elaine Blackburn; son-in-law, Gene Page; and siblings, Lillian Campbell, Vivian Gentry, and Edward "Gene" Blackburn, Jr.

Survivors include his daughter, Gail B. Page of Cherryville; sons, Ben T. Blackburn Jr. (Robin) of Cherryville and Ed Blackburn (Sherrod) of Kings Mountain; sister, Brenda B. Rountree of Virginia Beach; grandchildren, Travis Page (Melissa), Jonathan Page (Melody), Alex Blackburn (Rachel), Emily Winter (Justin), William Blackburn (Karley), Sarah Haire (Hunter), and Edward Blackburn (Mirel); great grandchildren, Madison Page, Harrison Page, Spencer Blackburn, Alice Blackburn, Gwendolyn Page, and Liam Blackburn; and brothers-in-law, Tom, Kent, and Lowell Younce.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 4:00 PM at First Wesleyan Church with Rev. Mark B. Poe officiating. Burial will follow at Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, from 2:30 to 3:45 PM prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to First Wesleyan Church, 800 N. Pink St. Cherryville, NC 28021.