Reverend James F. Blackerby

Reverend James F. Blackerby, 86, departed this life bound for his heavenly home on March 11, 2016. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God ultimately gave him peace. He was born to Earl and Leela Blackerby in Chelsea, AL on May 16, 1929. Poppa, as he was affectionately known was good hearted, kind, and soft-spoken. He was an ordained minister in the Nazarene Church for almost 60 years. He would sit with the Bible on his lap as he read through it every year. Poppa loved the church, and his life was about serving the church. Everything he did was to glorify God. He will be dearly missed by friends and loved ones who celebrate that Poppa is with his creator. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years, Ruth Raines Blackerby, and two brothers, Bernard Blackerby, and J. C. Blackerby. He is survived by a son, J. David (Marka) Blackerby of Auburn, AL, and a daughter, Rhonda (Forest) Suber of Birmingham, AL, a sister, Jean (Jim) Pope of Panama City, FL, a brother, Earl Blackerby, Jr. of Sylacauga, AL, and two grandchildren, Bridge Suber and Austin Grace Suber of Birmingham, AL. A celebration of Poppa's life will be held graveside on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at 2:00 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Sylacauga, AL, officiated by Pastor Terri Sinquefield. Curtis and Son North Chapel will direct the services.