Zell Shaw Blackmon, Sr.

Mr. Zell Shaw Blackmon, Sr. passed away on Friday, March 9, 2018. Fully at peace, and surrounded with the love of his family, he passed away at his residence. Mr. Blackmon was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1921, to the late Joseph A. and Tabitha Crowe Blackmon. Born and raised in Royston, Georgia, he graduated from Royston High School where he was captain of the football team. Following high school, he attended the University of Georgia. In 1942, Mr. Blackmon married the love of his life, Martha Gladys Wacaser. Together, they enjoyed nearly 76 years of marriage, exemplifying for their family, and so many others, what true love looks like.

Mr. Blackmon was a proud World War II veteran, having served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. During WWII he spent 3 years with the 5th Army Air Corp in Brisbane Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and other islands in the Pacific. Following his military service, he entered Civil Service and eventually retired from Robins Air Force Base. Along with his wife, Gladys, Mr. Blackmon was a long-time and faithful member of Central Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Joyner Sunday School Class and Central 5-0’s. In addition to his parents, Mr. Blackmon was preceded in death by two brothers, Boyce Blackmon and Frank Blackmon.

Mr. Blackmon is survived by his loving family who will forever cherish the legacy he leaves them; first among these is his loving and much beloved wife, Martha Gladys Blackmon; as well as three sons, Zell S. Blackmon, Jr. (Ruthie) of Bonaire, James Albert “Al” Blackmon (Beverly) of Orlando, Billy Marion Blackmon (Kaye) of Warner Robins; grandchildren, Shaw Blackmon III (Whitney), Rev. Brad Blackmon (Beth), Kayce Slade (Brandon), Jim Blackmon (Karine), Courtney Brosche (Chris), Blake Blackmon, Dr. Jake Blackmon, Dr. Josh Blackmon (Catherine), Dr. Zach Blackmon (Jenni), Lori Miller (T.I); seventeen great-grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. The family also wishes to acknowledge Doretha Lester, Zell and Gladys’ loving and devoted caregiver.

From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 12, 2018, Mr. Blackmon’s family will receive friends during a time of visitation at McCullough Funeral Home. Immediately following visitation, funeral services to honor and remember his well-lived life will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. After the funeral service, Mr. Blackmon will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Zell S. Blackmon, Sr. to Central Baptist Church, 1120 Lake Joy Road, Warner Robins, Georgia, 31088.