Ronald Luther Blackburn, Sr.

Ronald Luther Blackburn, Sr., 78, passed away at home on Friday, October 28, 2011. A native of North Carolina, he had been a Newport News resident for 57 years. Ronald worked as a security guard for Smithfield Packing and retired in 2004 after 17 years of service. He was a veteran and served honorably in the U.S. Army and Reserves, and was a lifetime member of the Hampton Elks Lodge #366. He owned and operated Amoco Service Station at Newmarket South for over 30 years. Ronald is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lydia Faith Blackburn; son, Ronald Luther Blackburn, Jr. and wife, Melodie of Hampton, VA; three grandchildren, Cory Blackburn, Faith Blackburn both of Hampton, VA, and Holly Blackburn of Williamsburg, VA; and brother, Woodrow Blackburn and wife, Betty of Newport News, VA. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, where a celebration of Ronald's life will be held at 2 p.m. with Pastor Frank Earwood officiating. Interment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.