Wilson Whitaker (Whit) Blackmon, of Columbus, passed away Friday, February 23 at Spring Harbor Senior Living Community. He was born November 7, 1930 in Columbus to the late Guy Rupert Blackmon and Georgia Whitaker Blackmon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Guy Rupert Blackmon, Jr., and his beloved wife of 62 years Geraldine (Gerry) Dunn Blackmon.
Mr. Blackmon is survived by his daughter, Susan Blackmon Watson and her husband Jay, of Oxford MS, his son Brian Whitaker Blackmon, of Cataula GA, four grandchildren, Katherine Dunn Watson of Brooklyn NY, Judson Durward Watson IV of Oxford MS, Seth Blackmon of Smiths Station AL, and Sierra Whitaker Blackmon of Columbus.
He attended public schools in Columbus, received his high school diploma from Marion Military Institute, and graduated from Clemson University in 1953 with a BS degree in Architectural Engineering. He worked at Lockheed Aircraft in Marietta GA before entering the Army in 1954. He served in Korea before being discharged in 1956. He returned to Columbus where he worked for Blackmon-Scarborough. In 1962 he formed Blackmon Oil Company and served as president and owner until his retirement in 1993.
Mr. Blackmon was on the Board of the Georgia Oilman's Association for many years, serving as their President in 1978. He was also a member of the National Chevron Petroleum Marketers Association, served on the national board from 1982-1990, and was President from 1988-1989. Blackmon Oil Company was honored in 1987 as the National Small business Employer of the year by the American Legion.
Mr. Blackmon was an active lifelong member of St. Luke Methodist Church. He was a past member of the Columbus Jaycees, the Columbus Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Columbus. He served on the Wells Fargo Advisory Board, the Open Door Community Board, the Goodwill Industries Board, the Board of Trustees of the Columbus Medical Center, and the Medical Center Foundation Board. He also served on the Georgia State American Heart Association Board, was the Heart Ball Chairman in 1989, and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 1993. During his time at Spring Harbor he served on the Foundation Board, and spent many hours volunteering at the desk of the Health Center.
During the 1960's and 1970's Mr. Blackmon was captain and head mechanic of the "Travelers Four• houseboat, which was in dock on Lake Eufaula. As a young man he played handball, then tennis, and golf. He loved Sudoku, and jigsaw puzzles. He was always in the middle of a spy novel on his kindle. Telling jokes, and committing pranks was a passion. Many have fallen victim to his poker prowess. He was a terrific "Big Pop" to his grandchildren. And above all else, he loved to dance, especially the jitterbug with his favorite partner, Gerry.
Visitation will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Edgewood Hall, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907 on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Burial will be held private with Military Honors at Parkhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wilson W. And Geraldine D. Blackmon Fund at the Community Foundation of the Chatta'hoochee Valley, Inc.
