Christopher L. Blackburn

Christopher Lee Blackburn, age 39, Rockledge, FL entered into rest on Monday March 25, 2019 in an automobile accident. His work life was in auto and boat body work; custom fishing pole construction and commercial auto and sign painting He loved everything with wheels: cars, motorcycles, skateboards and bikes.

Chris was a native Floridian and a lifetime resident of Cocoa and Rockledge. He was a graduate of Cocoa High School, Brevard Community College and The University of Central Florida.

He is survived by his mother, Brenda Blackburn of St. Augustine, FL; brother, Mark Blackburn of Chicago, IL; niece, Natalie Blackburn of Chicago, IL; aunts, Deborah Laughon of Lakeland, FL and Barbara Bruner of St. Augustine, FL; cousins, Charlie, Carolina, and Hunter Laughon of Lakeland, FL. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Blackburn.

Chris was a lover of all things outdoors but he was especially passionate about fishing and building custom fishing poles. He made many custom poles for friends through his small business venture, Soul Pole, and those rods caught some “big ones”. He loved the waters in and around Brevard County and was an advocate for taking care of the beautiful Indian River Lagoon. Chris was most comfortable in flip-flops, sunglasses, baggies and a surfer tee shirt. His constant companion was Dexter, his Boston Terrier pup. To his friends he was known as “B” and they described him as smart, strong, creative, kind, big hearted, and a fun loving good guy!

Chris will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 12-2:30 at the F Burton Smith Park located at 7575 W King Street, Cocoa, Florida. Come dressed casually in your shorts, flip flops and sunglasses. Food, music and beverages will be provided. Chris loved the outdoors and enjoyed all things about nature.....so let’s celebrate his life and the things he loved!

Tributes in memory of Chris may be made to the IRL Council, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, 1235 Main Street, Sebastian, FL 32958 or on line at www.onelagoon.org through Pay Pal accounts.