Billy Joe Blackburn: Loris

1938 – 2020

     Billy Joe Blackburn of Loris passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at McLeod Loris hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 81.

     Mr. Blackburn was born March 9, 1938 in Loris, to the late Fred Devoe Blackburn and the late Virgie Lee Esther Suggs Blackburn.

     Mr. Blackburn served his country with courage and honor in the United States Army. After the Army, Mr. Billy moved back to Loris and worked with Prince Chevrolet for 15 years. He went on to work and retire from Horry County Schools as a purchasing agent.

     Mr. Blackburn was a longtime active member of Loris First Baptist Church where he sang in the choir and was a deacon. He was a member of the Gideon’s International, Loris Chapter, as well as the Lions Club, but will be most remembered as a loving, father, grandfather, brother and cherished friend.

     Survivors include his son, Edward J. “Eddy” Blackburn of Loris; three grandchildren, Christina Gracelynn Blackburn, and Cathryn LeAnne Blackburn, both of Loris; and Joshua Edward Blackburn of Greenville, South Carolina; their mother, Christy Barnhill of Conway; brother, Freddy Blackburn and wife, Merle of Sumter, and sister, Patsy Ellison of Charleston.

     Mr. Blackburn was predeceased by his loving wife, Grace Williams Blackburn.

     Visitation was planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at Hardwick Funeral Home. The family will be meeting at Mr. Blackburn’s home in Loris and invited friend to visit with them there as well.

     Funeral services were planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Loris First Baptist Church with Pastor Dr. Louis Venable and Rev. David Watts officiating, committal services following at Patterson Cemetery.

     Memorials may be made to Loris First Baptist Church, 3117 Main Street, Loris, SC 29569 or to the Gideons International, Loris Camp, PO Box 93, Loris, SC 29569.

     A guest register is available here.