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Mr. Earl Ray Blackburn, age 83, of Auburn, KY, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 3:07 PM at The Medical Center of Bowling Green, KY.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. Visitation will continue on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM with interment to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, KY.
Earl was born on December 13, 1941 in Robertson County, TN. He was raised and is preceded in death by the late Harold Lee and the late Martha (Somerville) Lee. He is also preceded in death by his first wife, Lorene Key; and a sister, Elizabeth Gezley.
He is survived by 3 children, Judy Ray Blackburn of Bowling Green, KY, Melissa “Gayle” Frizzell of Auburn, KY and James Earl Blackburn (Kim) of Franklin, KY; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; many great-great grandchildren; 1 sister, Edna Mae Carter of Springfield, TN; and 4 nephews.
Earl was a member of Barbe Baptist Church. He was retired from Potter & Brumfield. Earl enjoyed riding his motorcycle, shooting pool, going to the lake and skiing and watching WWE wrestling.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. The website is www.gilbertfhonline.com. The Facebook page is Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. The obituary phone line is 270-586-8844.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
325 West Cedar Street, Franklin, KY 42134
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.

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