Dewie Lee Blackmon

Dewie Lee Blackmon was a trustworthy man and was traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility, even the responsibility of children.

He was always considered a “good” friend to those he knew. While growing up, some of his best friends were Dwight and Eugene. Later in life, he considered Ralph, Bill, Hoyt, Doug, and Buddy to be his “close friends”. Even though he had several very close friends during his lifetime he enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and would become friends with just about anyone he met.

He was born in Marietta, Georgia, at home on Monday, January 2, 1939 to Willie Mae (Turner) and J.D. Blackmon. During his childhood he grew up in Lake City, Florida and Blairsville, Georgia, along with other various cities.

He was raised with his two siblings: his older sister, Wanda, and younger brother, Vinson. He was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings, and while they experienced rivalries typical of a growing family they also shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, he had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. He delivered newspapers, loved horseback riding, and swimming, but he enjoyed working on his grandfather's farm as well (mainly so he could drive the tractors, trucks and other farm equipment). He would say that his most memorable achievement was surviving childhood! However, to him, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, he had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. While he enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers, his favorite class in high school was shop. He was a highly intelligent man and he made mostly straight A's in school, but there was one time when he did make an F. His teacher told him that he didn't need to be in the class! He decided he would start doing his class work just to show the teacher what he was capable of doing. He graduated from Blairsville High School in 1957.

On July 21, 1958 he exchanged wedding vows with Margaret "Eileen" Fulmer, at Whatley Baptist Church in Whatley, Alabama. He was blessed with three children: Scott Alan, Byron Keith, and Cheryl Lynne. He worked hard to be a good husband and father and did his best to fulfill their needs. Empathic and loyal, he was committed to making his new family happy. Another blessing for him was the gift of five grandchildren: Kevin, Christopher, Susan, Joseph, and Jacob, who went on to bless him with nine great grandchildren: Kevin Jr., Christopher Jr., twins Nichelle and Stephane, Matthew, Kayleigh, Brian (Bebe), Ace, and the youngest one McKinsey.

He enjoyed returning to college in 1975. This had to be a challenge for him with all of the responsibilities of going back to school and taking care of a family at the same time, but he was able to manage the balancing act. He earned his drafting degree at Marietta VoTech in 1977. After receiving his drafting degree, he worked as an apprentice for Glass Tech Plastics.

Fortunately, he enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, he worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a building inspector. He was employed for 20 years by Cobb County Building Inspections and after retiring he worked for the City of Austell. He always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Between 1957 and 1961 he served our country while in the Air Force’s Strategic Air Command (SAC). His home base was in Lake Charles, Louisiana until 1960 at which time he was transferred to Mount Clemmons, Michigan. He served in the Cold War and spent time in Newfoundland; Prince Edward Island; Toulee, Greenland; and Goosebay Labrador. Through his hard work, he achieved the rank of Airman First Class. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

Simply stated, Dewie was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of our lives. Dewie leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he has touched will always remember Dewie Lee Blackmon.

Mr. Dewie Lee Blackmon age 72 of Temple, formally of Marietta died January 11, 2011. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Born in Marietta, Mr. Blackmon was Building Inspector for Cobb County until his retirement in 2000. He worked for the City of Austell and was a home inspector after retirement. He had also worked as a draftsman at Glasstech and Worsham Systems. He enjoyed hunting, four wheeling, fishing and motorcycles. He was of the Baptist Faith.

SURVIVORS:

Spouse – Eileen F. Blackmon of Temple

2 sons – Scott Alan Blackmon of Temple; Byron Keith Blackmon of Temple

Daughter – Cheryl Lynne Farmer of Temple

Sister – Wanda Mae Burnette of Blairsville, GA

Brother – Vinson Blackmon of Carrollton, GA

5 grandchildren

9 Great Grandchildren.

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Charge of arrangements.