John BLACKMAN Jr.

I knew Mr. B for but a short year. I'm not qualified to comment much, to do otherwise would do him injustice. I can however speak to my very short, yet personal relationship with him. It started out with his apprehension. He was hesitant at my religion, unsure of my faith, and concerned about my health. I talked too fast. Although both of us Southerners, him from Tennessee and me from Southern California, we often struggled finding a mutually understandable dialect. But we kind of ignored the spikes in the road and drove right on through. In time all those reservations fell, leaving no real trace of their existence. We enjoyed sharing prayer and spiritual philosophy. He worried over my health, prayed for me, and was amazed how I was often unaffected by it. In times of difficulty we didn't fear our differences, we simply called in an interpreter to bridge our vocabularies. Ours was not a friendship born on sight, it was one that grew from mutual desire. Our time together ended abruptly, and although we didn't speak or exchange messages until the very end when he was readying himself to go home, he was always on my mind and in my heart. He is a man who made a difference in my life. He gave me things others had not. My life, my thoughts, even my feelings are altered because I knew him. I am grateful for the time God gave us. I pray that I brought something worthwhile to his life as well. To lose a parent is a chapter in life all unto itself. To his daughters I extend my deepest heartfelt sympathy. I pray your sorrows are short, your pride worn on your sleeves, and you memories forever engrained.

I can think of no one I've ever known who would be happier to see Jesus that Mr. Blackman. Our family loved and respected John so very much. He and Mr. Farrar were the first two visitors we had from McKendree back in early 1982 when we were just a young couple, new to Nashville. John held our Katie on his knee and spoke to her of Jesus. I am so glad that we knew him and am rejoicing in his reunion with the Heavenly Father. Mrs. Toka, Nancy, Donna, and Mindy - our thoughts are prayers are with you. Love to your family,

We will remember your beautiful Papa and the kindness he shared with everyone.In loving memory,Dennis and Randy Greek

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

For my beautiful Papa

To Mrs. Blackman, Nancy, Donna and Mindy: Your husband and father was a good man. I never met or talked with him without seeing a smile on his face. His golden tenor voice was the wake up call to many Nashvillians that attended the 8:30am service at McKendree UMC. As I wrote to Mindy earlier, he is at rest today in arm of our Heavenly Father. He is now lending his golden voice to the heavenly choir of angels.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

With much respect to the family of the singing milkman, Johnny Blackman,

Tim Patrick
Lafayette, Louisiana