Tunis Blackburn

     Tunis Blackburn, 77 of Nickelsville, VA formerly of Belfry, KY, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2017, at his home in Virginia. Tunis was born July 17, 1940, in South Williamson, KY, the son of the late Rush and Grace Ball Blackburn. He was also preceded in death by his former wife, Marie White; two sisters, Janice Lee Maynard and Eunice Hackney and a brother, Russell Blackburn.     He was a former coal miner and a member of the Freewill Baptist Church.     Survivors include his loving caregivers, June Varney, Anthony and Kayla all of Nicklesville, VA; children, Rush (Sandy) Blackburn of Ransom, KY, Dianna (Greg) Cassell of Nicholasville, KY, Dwayne (Renee') Blackburn of Burnwell, KY, Brad (Chris) Blackburn of Goshen, IN, Monica Denise "Niecie" (Don) Coleman of Goshen, IN, Gregory Blackburn of Williamson, WV, Anthony and Victoria of Nicklesville, VA; brother, Jim (Joan) Blackburn of Canada, KY; his former wife, Barbara Locke of Nicklesville, VA; nineteen grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and a host of other family and friends.     Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at 11 AM in the R. E. Rogers Funeral Home Chapel with Edward Varney officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackburn Cemetery, Belfry, KY. Pallbearers will be Brad, Bradley, Gregory, Julius, Austin, Cody, Jasmine Grace and Keith. Visitation will be conducted Tuesday, August 8, 2017, from 6 - 9 PM in the funeral home chapel with special services at 7 PM. R. E. Rogers Funeral Home of Belfry is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.rerogersfh.com.