Jerry Blackburn, a beloved partner, devoted family man, and cherished friend, left this world on May 16, 2026, after a lengthy illness. A Celebration of Life Service is planned for Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. at Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church.
Born in Pulaski, Tennessee on October 7, 1947, Jerry's life was one of service, love, and dedication to those around him. Jerry was the son of Donald Eugene Blackburn and Annie Ruth Pierce Blackburn, both of whom predeceased him, along with his sisters Sandra and Charlene Blackburn, and step-brothers Dan and Robert Summers.
He is survived by his loving partner of 32 and a half years, Charlene Luther. Their relationship began November 27, 1993, and every 27th of the month was a mini-celebration of their enduring love (Happy 27th). Their affectionate nicknames for each other, ‘my Sweetman’ and ‘my Sweetie Pie,’ spoke volumes of their deep connection.
Jerry embraced Charlene's children, Benjamin Luther and Erin Vingiello, as his own. He also leaves behind Erin's husband, Anthony Vingiello, and their son, Reade Charles Vingiello, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. His sister, Jan Blackburn Whitworth, and her husband William, stepmom Polly Blackburn, stepsisters Sue Hamby (Wendell) and Claire Strunk (Jesse), stepbrother Macy Summers (Sherry), nephew Reese Edgel, close friends Bob and Betsy Luther, and Wendy Tronrud also mourn his passing.
Jerry never shied away from hard work. He spoke of feeding / watering 2000 laying hens before school and distributing eggs with his Mother after school. Stories from his youth included night fishing and squirrel hunting with his Father, weeding / harvesting tobacco plants, and working at a service station while in high school.
A graduate of Lenoir High School in 1965, Jerry also earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Tech University, and later an MBA from the University of Tennessee. His commitment to service saw him enlist in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict, where he served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic aboard the USS America (CVA-66), maintaining the Vigilante aircraft. He shared countless stories of the ship personnel, flight deck and ship life experiences.
Jerry's professional life was marked by his work as a Civil Engineer for the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he designed and oversaw the construction of numerous projects throughout East Tennessee, including a notable pavilion at Ocoee for the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Games. Following his retirement from TVA, Jerry worked for BVI / FEMA sharing his civil engineering expertise to evaluate hurricane and/or flood damaged areas of Texas, North Dakota, Washington State, Montana, and North Carolina. His contributions to his East Tennessee community extended to supporting the Oak Ridge Unitarian Universalist Church and the Oak Ridge High School Band, even driving the band equipment truck to events.
An avid lover of nature (especially trees) he was often seen picking up acorns to cultivate and procuring seedings to plant. He was known for his passion for storytelling, quick wit, and deep understanding of financial instruments, engineering applications, car mechanics, and natural forces (especially water). His love for history and biographies fueled his avid reading, while his spiritual practice involved Sunday contemplation and reading from his King James Bible.
Jerry's legacy is one of love and generosity. He was a man who deeply cared about his family, always ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors without expecting anything in return. His thoughtful nature and humility made a difference in the lives of many, and he will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Jerry's honor, as a testament to his enduring spirit and commitment to helping others. Donations can be made at (https://www.cancer.org). Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com.