Earney was preceded in death by his wife of 50+ years; Joyce Ezzell Blackburn. He is survived by his two sons, Eric J Blackburn and Lee Z Blackburn along with a grandchild and three great grandchildren. He was the last surviving child of six from Lester and Charles Blackburn.
Dad made many promises during his life and did his very best to keep them all. That was the type of man he was. He promised to take care of his children and he did. He put us both through college on blue collar pay. He promised to love us and he did. Those were the last words he spoke to us. He promised to take care of mom her whole life and he did. He was her sole care provider for the last 10+ years of her struggle with Alzheimer's. That struggle took everything from both of them but with his most important promise kept he was free to move on. Thank you Dad for the love and promises kept. We love you and will see you on the other side.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 11 AM in the Chapel of Thomas – Yelverton Funeral Home, 2704 Nash St. N. Wilson, NC 27896.