Roger Blackburn of Nashville, Tennessee was born on March 5, 1923 and passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2023.
Roger was a man who loved his family and friends deeply. He was born in rural Franklin County to Walter Blackburn, a farmer, and Annie Mae Cannon Blackburn, a homemaker. He was one of nine children, attended a two-room schoolhouse and helped his father with the farm.
After moving to Detroit and learning a trade, Roger returned to Nashville and opened his own business. B&G Auto Trim was a thriving shop which he ran for 42 years.
He enjoyed gardening his entire life and his watermelons were the best. He was an ardent fan at his sons and grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved horseback riding with his club and went as often as his schedule would allow. He reluctantly gave up caring for and riding horses at age 93. He rekindled his interest in square dancing while in his 70’s. Roger loved his western shirts, ties, and matching outfits. His travels with the Mid-State singles dance club were always a highlight of the year.
Preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Orphia Steele Blackburn; his parents; sisters, Lorene Phillips, Mable Thomas and Josephine Blackburn; and his brothers, J. R. Blackburn, Leonard Blackburn, and James “Sonny” Blackburn.
Survived by wife, Nancy Louise Gifford Blackburn; sister, Marie Gross; and brother, Billy Joe (Katherine) Blackburn. Roger loved being a father and grandfather and is survived by his two devoted children, Janice (G.W.) Owens of Tullahoma and Rick (Karen) Blackburn of Nashville; his grandchildren, Dale (Vickie) Owens, Danny (Emily) Owens, Hailey (Grant) Minchew, and Boone Blackburn.
Having moved to assisted living in late 2016, Rogers’ zest for life continued. He made friends easily. While he missed the independence of driving a car and shopping/preparing his own meals, he continued to find joy in life. His greatest joy was his wife, Nancy. She was a devoted and selfless caregiver who made sure he had everything he needed and more.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road with services immediately following visitation. https://www.woodbinefuneralhome.com
Our family would like to thank the staff at The Bridge of Hickory Woods. They treated Roger with love and respect through the many years he lived there, the kitchen staff always had his breakfast prepared to his liking and Chris always helped with any wayward buttons, gloves, etc. before he left the building.
Also, to the staff at Davita in Smyrna, the extra care and concern you showed Roger was greatly appreciated. He was able to enjoy a long life in part thanks to the love, care, and kindness of his caregivers.
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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