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Basil Lyle Blackburn, 76, of Johnson City, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord at his home on Thursday, June 8, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family. Basil was born in Elizabethton and raised in Johnson County and Hampton, to the late Fred Blackburn and Dora Rita (Grindstaff) Blackburn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great-grandson, “Little Man”-Richard Killian Owens; several aunts and uncles; his mother-in-law, Myrtle Moody; and his brother-in-law, Wayne Hicks.
Basil was a mechanic by trade and could fix anything! He never gave up on trying or doing anything he put his mind too but most of all he loved and cherished his family. Basil had excelled at many things and had a wonderful, hard-working heart of gold. He had owned and operated a Roadrunner Express Delivery Service, Mr. B’s Service Center and Aunt B’s Restaurant. To say he was talented would be a tremendous understatement.
Basil attended Pinecrest Baptist Church where he was a former Deacon. He attended church religiously until his health prevented it. He had also worked with the youth of the church in past years, including youth trips and outings. Basil loved all animals, but especially his dog, Reese. A family man at heart, Basil treasured his trips with his family to the beach, riding motorcycles, and children of all ages that were drawn to Basil because of his kind, loving heart.
Those left to remember and cherish Basil’s memories include his loving wife of 55 years, Phyllis Blackburn; two sons, Brian Blackburn and Chad (Mandy) Blackburn; a bonus child, Roy Lubag; his granddaughters, Brianna Owens and Allison (Hunter) Hampton; his brother, Albert (Tammy) Blackburn; his sister, Darlene (Carl) Taylor and family; and his sister-in-law, Pat Moody Hicks. Several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members also survive as well as his special cousins, Kenny Grindstaff and Charlie Grindstaff; special niece, Sherry Tilson; special family friend, Shirley Butler; and many, many friends that will miss him so very much, too many to list, but they know they were loved.
A service to celebrate the life of Basil Lyle Blackburn will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Mr. Garry Edwards officiating. Emory Cordell will also speak at the service. Music will be under the direction of Larry Pate. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service.
The graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at Roselawn Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Kenny Grindstaff, Dennis Bailey, Herman Wyatt, Hunter Hampton, Hobie Hyder, Kenneth Harrison, David Hicks, Clay McNabb and Steve Tilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Keller, David Vaught, Emory Cordell, Bob Richards, Larry Pate, Buster Hodge, Ronnie Reeser and Charlie Grindstaff. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday. The family wishes to express a special appreciation to Lisa Mohler for her years of loving care; to the staff on the 5th Floor at Johnson City Medical Center; the staff of Franklin Woods PICU; and his doctor, Alice Myers, for the exceptional care given to Basil. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pinecrest Baptist Church and because of his love for children, you can also donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in honor of Basil. Words of comfort may be sent to the Blackburn family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Basil Lyle Blackburn. Office: (423) 542-2232. Recorded Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.