Tell me why I had to be a power slave
I don't want to die, I'm a god, why can't I live on?
When the Life Giver dies, all around is laid to waste.
And in my last hour,
I'm a slave to the power of death.


I met Glenn back in the late '90's when he asked me to tattoo him. That was the first of several I did for him through out the years.  A good son, he was always mindful of disappointing his parents, so he didn't get crazy with them. Tattoo artist get to  know a lot about their clients & Glenn's heart was his family,especially his son.  He always lit the shop up with his smile and cool vibe when he came in. And he never met a stranger, striking up conversations with other artist & customers in the shop. Such a cool down to earth and FUNNY guy. Lots of laughter if Glenn was in. 
I'll miss him but I am glad I got to know him. Rest in Peace & we'll see ya on the other side. 

To My Dear Friend Glenn....how do I begin to put into words what your impact has been on my life?  I will forever be grateful for your Friendship, Love & Laughter!  I will always remember you as my brother in the truest sense of the word!  My world was a better place because you were such a huge part of my life!  Rest In Peace G$!  The memories we share will always make me smile....they will be cherished....and you my sweet friend will be truly missed.

It was a beautiful service. Thank you Stacy Hudson for the moving eulogy.  I know Glenn was loving the "crowd" that showed up. He touched alot of hearts thru the years with the twinkle in his eye, sense of humor and contagious laugh. My heart goes out to Nick, family and friends. Gone but never forgotten... rest in peace Glenn Blackburn...you will be missed. 

My brother shared the news of Glenn's passing with me just last night.  My heart was instantly sad.  In all honesty, I have carried Glenn in my heart since 1st grade at Indian Trails Elementary.  Our school journey would carry us right into Piedmont High School, where Glenn became my First Real Love.  Most of my high school memories are not just "Shelley", but "Glenn & Shelley".  Trying to take Driver's Ed with him giving me that smile (and looks of fear, too) from the back seat, our first kiss, the support he gave me over my love for dance, the support I gave him over his love of Rock music, watching with his parents as he raced a Camaro at Shuffletown, sitting on the swing in my back yard on Summer nights, watching him play the bass in a high school band, a memorable trip with he and his family to White Lake, the first time we broke each other's hearts, and definitely driving that red Chevelle faster than we should many times to try and get me home by midnight curfew.  And, so many more.
Glenn created a permanent impression in my heart that I carry with me to this day.  Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn, you were always so kind and welcoming to me.  I've never forgotten that.  To both of you, Melanie and family, and to Nick (I never met you, but I know that your Dad chose your name a long, long time ago)...I pray  your hearts will be comforted by the love you have for Glenn and in knowing you carry him with you.
To Glenn, thank you for the memories that still make me smile.  I will continue to think of you on your birthday.  May you rest peacefully, and always know the love you left in my heart so long ago, always left a part of me "Still Loving You".

My heart goes out to Nelson, Sheila, Melanie, and your family. It broke my heart to hear that Glenn had passed away.  He was my first friend and you were my family down the street. I have great memories of my childhood with Glenn and you. I'll never forget! 
Take care and Love you, 
Wayne

I first met Glenn when Marc Crotts and Sonny Reynolds, and Scotti Montagnino and Glenn came to me and asked me to  manage their band "Paragon" 
I heard their songs, saw them play, and knew there was something very special there, and I loved them all.  

It was a magical time, and Glenn was in the middle of it.  The band got a house together along with roadies and they lived, worked and breathed music.  Although the days of Paragon in that formation were numbered, the memories are forever special.   

The last time I saw Glenn was a few years ago when one of my dear friends was very ill and there was a huge fundraiser/yard sale for her to help with medical costs.  As soon as Glenn heard about it, he called me then drove over with  a truck bed FULL of items he thought may "bring a few cents, or dollars" each...books, art, music, cool stuff.  It brought more than a "few dollars" and I called him later to report what a difference he made.

It was typical of him, being the good guy when needed...that was always my experience, and I only have wonderful memories of Glenn...Crazy, funny, wide open and really talented.  

We kept in contact for quite a while after,  although less & less often over time.  I am sorry we stopped communicating...there was no good reason, just what happens when life gets crazy and people move away or a phone number is lost.  We always think we will have more time, another moment.  Sadly, that didn't occur.   When I ran into any of the other members of the band we would try to catch up on all the prior members, and we always had Glenn as part of the conversation, and we would all be updated on him and everyone else.  It was like checking on family.     

Today I was told Glenn died earlier this week and a part of me broke.  I've lost another important part of my life's tapestry . That smile will light the heavens, but losing it bring tears.   

Prayers to his family.   Love you sweetie.   God Bless You Glenn. 

 Laughter ...
 Lots of laughter ..
 To the point where your cheeks and your stomach hurts ..
That and brotherly love always comes to mind when I hear his name or think of him.
 Creating great music with him was quite effortless ...
 Because all of our interest were the same ..
 ( Give it all and be honest about doing it. )
We lived together with friends for some time and it was always an amazing funny spectacle growing up together and being counterparts in dreams that we were working towards together.
 We slowly drifted apart and now there’s a shadow across my heart ...
Feel so true to me now but Glenn would say hey ...( that’s a great lyric line. )
I just wish it wasn’t true.
The  memories  could fill a library and in that library I wish you could’ve read all the books of life with him and I...
Carry-on my Brother to your new life...
      You’re  great friend  Sonny.


Glenn and I were friends for many years and I will always remember his sense of pride and his laughter.  He was able to see the good in people and laugh at himself when he made mistakes and was a proud and humble man.  I know his co-workers will miss him dearly as he was dedicated to his work and his customers and always helped them when he found an opportunity to make their lives better.

Glenn will be missed by many friends and acquaintances as he never met a stranger.  I wish the best for his family, his son and his fiancé as they have suffered a great loss with his passing.

For Friends and Family we are so sorry for your great loss. Glenn worked with us as a  "hired gun" on automotive and residential tinting jobs. His great smile and fun wit always lit up our office. His upbeat positive attitude always brought 'sunshine' and laughter into the room.  We all knew how much he loved his son, his family and his friends because they were the center of his conversations. 
Praying that God will comfort you all as only he can. 

Steve & Leslie Treece

Glenn and I grew up In the same neighborhood. We played in our first band together. Cant find words, other than Its like losing a brother, a best friend. And to Nelson, Sheila and Melanie, my other family growing up. I spent as much time at your house as I did at my own. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

Glenn and I were friends.  We worked together at  a Harley-Davidson dealership.  Glenn was a great guy to work with.  We took some rides together.  I always liked Glenn he was honest and a straight shooter.  You will be missed!

I knew Glenn from the Paragon days.   He was always happy to see me and everyone else, he always carried a smile.  What a great guy!  I had not seen Glenn in many many years, but he will be missed.  Heaven just gained another awesome bass player!  May you Rest in Peace Glenn!

After hearing this news, I am still in disbelief that my dear friend and fellow musician is gone. Glenn and I played together in Paragon in the late 80s and early 90s. We also lived together in a band house on South Wendover and shared an apartment near Southpark in Charlotte. He was such a great guy and we had so many fun times together. This gives me such a sad heart and my prayers are with his family. Glenn will truly be missed. We love you man!


I have played in 4 Bands with Glen, Most notably, Phantom Park, Superglide, And Preacher Stone.He was the bassist on our song “Not Today” which was on 2 Seasons of The Fox TV Series Sons of Anarchy. He will be missed as a bandmate and a friend. Godspeed brother.

OBITUARY

Glenn Nelson Blackburn

September 3, 1967 – January 2, 2019

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Celebration of Life Service