Paul Miller Blackburn

Paul Miller “Bud” Blackburn was born December 5, 1939 in Warsaw, North Carolina to Bertie John and Beulah Miller Blackburn the 7th of 8 children. Bud lived on the family farm and attended James Kenan High School and was graduated in 1957 with the very first class of the school.

Predeceasing Bud, in addition to his mother and father, are brothers, B.J. Blackburn Jr., Frank Blackburn and Ray Blackburn and sisters, Evelyn Blackburn Summerlin and Clara Blackburn Matthews.

Surviving Bud are his wife of many years, Mi Suk Blackburn, one daughter, Monica and her husband, Per, one sister, Faye Blackburn Wood and one brother, Graham Blackburn and wife Vickey. Proud to call Paul “Uncle Bud” are 17 nieces and nephews and too many to count, great nieces and nephews.

Bud lived a dynamic life as he pursued education at Hardbarger Business School in Raleigh. After graduation, he was employed as a bookkeeper at Service Oil Company in Warsaw. That career came to an abrupt end when he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served for more than 27 years in times of war and peace. His service in the Army gave him the opportunity to live a fascinating life not only all over America but, all over the world, learning 7 languages. Eventually, her earned a college degree. By the time of his retirement, he had attained the highest rank of enlisted men, Sergeant Major.

Because he could not sit idle, Bud worked at Redstone Arsenal for a number of years following Army retirement

In addition to his professional pursuits, in his spare time, he enjoyed playing the guitar, building and playing dulcimers, finding the best barbecue, sausage and liver pudding around and talking with his neighbors, family and friends all of whom he valued greatly.

Now, following the death of this interesting, accomplished person, the Blackburn family and friends will look to Mi Suk, Monica and Per to carry on his fine legacy of accomplishments, work, enjoyment of music and appreciation of others.