David Blackburn
David C. Blackburn, Jr., 80, of Chattanooga, died on Monday, March 7, 2016 at home.
Born in St. Petersburg, Fl., he lived in Chattanooga over 50 years. He served in the United States Coast Guard for four years, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. A graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he spent his 30-year career with the Tennessee Valley Authority designing Power System Protection and Control Schemes.
He was member of Chattanooga Engineers Club, serving as the audio-visual technician. A lifetime member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), he set standards for the power industry while serving on the Power System Relay Committee.
His profession honored him with several awards, including IEEE Outstanding Power Engineer (1994), People to People award (1995), and an IEEE Third Millennium Medal (2000).
A member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 50 years, he was known for his quiet contributions behind the scenes, operating the sound system and serving on the maintenance committee. He was particularly skillful in keeping the heating and air conditioning system operating. He built homes with Habitat for Humanity. His mission work at the church camp at Bethany Hills and other places set an example of how to be a loving servant in a world filled with many needs.
In his community he was known for keeping snow plowed from streets and driveways, cutting grass, and other caring activities. One of his greatest pleasures was driving the golf cart in the parking lots as a volunteer at Memorial Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his father, David C. Blackburn, Sr. and his mother, Marjorie Dearmin Blackburn.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Bradley Blackburn, two sons, Wayne Parker-Blackburn and husband, David of Jacksonville, Fl., and Lee Blackburn and wife Melanie of Atlanta, two grandchildren, Katy and Harrison, two sisters, Bettie-Love Downs and Darlene Hartley, and one brother, Dennis Blackburn, Sr.
The family thanks Hospice of Chattanooga, the staffs of Memorial Hospital, Siskin and Siskin West, and those who skillfully cared for him at home, as well as those who sent loving messages during his long illness.
Funeral services will be held at First Christian Church, 650 McCallie Ave., at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 11. Interment will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family and to view the video tribute.
Flowers are appreciated, but memorial contributions to First Christian Church and Habitat for Humanity are preferred.
The family will receive visitors from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.