Charles Austin Blackwood, Sr., a native of Gulfport, MS and a resident for 80 years, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, March 28, 2013. The last five years of his life, he resided in Macon, Georgia.
Charlie, as everyone knew him, was married to Earnestine Batson of Wiggins, Mississippi on March 27, 1954. After 46 years of marriage, she preceded him into eternity in 2000.
Charlie graduated from Gulfport High School in 1946 and attended Perkinston Junior College until joining the United States Navy, where he served in the Korean Conflict. When he returned to Gulfport, he met Earnestine, married, and soon after opened his own business, B & H Electric. He was in business for over 40 years.
Charlie’s passion was music. He was a drummer at Gulfport High, Perkinston Junior College and started playing in Jazz and Dixieland bands at an early age. He was an original member of Gulfport Municipal Band, a lifetime member of the Mississippi Coast Jazz Society, and played and taught drums along the Mississippi Gulf Coast for over 65 years. He was also a lifetime member of the Gulfport B.P.O.E. and First United Methodist Church.
Charlie is survived by two sons, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, who call him “Big Papa”. One of Papa’s many words of wisdom, “Timing is Everything”.
A family graveside will be held at a later date.
Visit www.maconmp.com to express tributes.
Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home, Macon, GA has charge of arrangements.
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