Ruth Eleanor "Ruthie" Blackmon

Ruth Eleanor “Ruthie” Blackmon, 75, the beloved matriarch of her family, a perfect wife, and an extraordinary mother and grandmother, entered into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Born on March 1, 1950, in Atlanta, Georgia, Ruthie was the daughter of the late Frederick and Marie Beckett Forman. She grew up in Smyrna and graduated from Campbell High School in 1968.

From the moment her husband, Zell, first saw her, it was love at first sight. They married shortly after graduation and began building a life and family together. While Zell completed college, Ruthie worked various jobs and played a pivotal role in helping her husband facilitate the beginnings of National Bank Products. A company they would own and operate for many decades.

Ruthie lived a life rich with hobbies, friendships, and joy. She loved to play tennis and bridge, raise and show dogs with her sister, and go to the beach, especially St. Simons Island.

Deeply invested in her community, Ruthie volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the Regents Sorority at Warner Robins High School and was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church. There, she volunteered her time to Vacation Bible School and participated in many Bible studies over the years.

She devoted her life to caring for her family as well as others. Ruthie could often anticipate needs before they were spoken and was a gifted listener and encourager. Her home, her heart, and her time were always centered around her family. She was especially proud of all her children and grandchildren and always attended their games and activities. Ruthie was truly the heartbeat of her family and will be deeply missed.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sandra Hubbard, Ruthie’s dear friend, as well as to Traditions Health Hospice for the compassionate and loving care they provided.

In addition to her parents, Ruthie was preceded in death by her siblings, Suzanne Forman and Ted Forman.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her husband, Zell Shaw Blackmon, Jr.; children, Shaw Blackmon (Whitney), Reverend Brad Blackmon (Beth), Kayce Slade (Brandon); grandchildren, Ges Sumrall, Cort Blackmon, Beckett Blackmon, Noah Blackmon, Ruthie Blackmon, Josiah Blackmon, Abigail Blackmon, Anna Slade, and Jackson Slade; as well as sister, Becky Norton; numerous nieces and nephews and several other beloved family members and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, December 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Central Baptist Church. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Afterward, Ruth Eleanor “Ruthie” Blackmon will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Ruth Eleanor “Ruthie” Blackmon to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.