Dr. James Vernon Blackburn

Dr. Vernon Blackburn, age 80, of Tuscaloosa, passed away, April 2, 2015, at Hospice of West Alabama, after fighting a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. today, April 4, 2015, at Calvary Baptist Church. Visitation will follow. The family will have a private burial prior to the service. Memory Chapel Funeral Home, A Dignity Memorial Provider, is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Joyce, and two daughters, Kim Blackburn of Atlanta and Dr. Robin Blackburn of Tuscaloosa. He was born in Pensacola, Florida, on November 18, 1934. He attended Tate High School and Pensacola Junior College. He received a BA degree from Tennessee Temple College, graduate degrees from Mississippi Southern University, Baylor University, and a PhD. From Florida State. He taught at Morgan County High School, Hartselle, Alabama and Meridian Public School System, Meridian, Mississippi. He also taught Counseling and Guidance in the Graduate School at the University of Alabama for 27 years, and received many prestigious awards for contribution to the field of education. After retirement he did private counseling. He taught Sunday School in the College, Young Marrieds, and Singles Departments at Calvary Baptist Church for many years, as well as, pastored small churches. His life touched the lives of countless individuals throughout his career. Memorial contributions may be made through the University of Alabama. Please direct your contributions to the Cecil-Blackburn Scholarship Fund in memory of Dr. James Vernon Blackburn. Visit www.ua.edu/giving or mail a gift to the University of Alabama, PO Box 8701010, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, OR may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson's Research, PO Box 4777, NYC, NY 10163-4777.