Robert Owen "Bob" Blackman

Robert Owen "Bob" Blackman

86, of Aylett, went to be with his Lord on October 17, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ethel, to whom he was deeply devoted; granddaughter, Hannah Blackman, of Golden, CO; sister-in-law, Carol Hurst; six nephews, Frank Lee, Charles Lee, Jr., Sam Blackman, Jr., and George Blackman, Jr., all of Benson, NC, and Kevin Hurst and Branden Sorg, both of Virginia; three nieces, Melody Bulger and Susie Bunn, both of North Carolina, and Buffy Hawk, of Virginia; as well as several grand-nephews and grand-nieces. Bob was preceded in death by his son, Robert C. Blackman; parents, James Roy Blackman and Hilda S. Blackman; brothers, George V. Blackman (Julia), and Samuel Blackman (Wanda); sisters, Cleon B. Lee (Charles) and Geraldine B. Landrum (Frank); nephew, Johnny Blackman, and niece, Ann Johnson, all of North Carolina. Born in Benson, NC, Bob joined the U. S. Army, completed two tours in Vietnam, served 21 years in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, and retired with the rank of Major. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Campbell University, and worked at Virginia Power for 17 years, where he was appointed Supervisor of Oil Procurement in 1977, became the Supervisor of Coal Procurement in 1979, and was promoted to Director, Fuel Resources in 1982. Bob never lost his love for his family and the church. He served as the Senior Warden of the Vestry at St. David's Episcopal Church, Aylett, where his leadership was notable and of great value. Bob remained a dedicated member of The CornerStone Community Church, Aylett. He was actively involved in and enjoyed all aspects of church life, including Sunday services, fellowship, and fundraisers. Bob served on the board of directors of The CornerStone Community Development Center, Aylett, where he keenly advocated for the cause of the poor. His deep faith and Christian values stem from his family roots in Benson, North Carolina.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m., October 26, at the Mechanicsville Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee Davis Road. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1 p.m. A reception will follow the service. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to The CornerStone Community Church, P.O. Box 121, Aylett, VA 23009.