Harlen Lee Blackburn

May 24, 1948 - July 2, 2021

Harlen Lee Blackburn, age 73 of Burkes Garden, VA went to walk with His Lord after an eleven and one-half years battle with brain cancer, on Friday, July 2, 2021. Born May 24, 1948 in Horsepen, VA, he was a son of the late Harlen and Katherine Nunley Blackburn. He was the oldest of ten children. Lee was a 1966 Graduate of Tazewell High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Emory & Henry College and a Master’s Degree from Marshal University. Mr. Blackburn was a retired safety man from Consol Energy. He was also a champion spit wad spitter, second best to his sister-in-law, Christy! Lee’s life crossed many roads from playing football at Emory & Henry College, working cattle in the Cove, breaking horses, coaching Little League Football, wrestling and track. He trained in the mines for mine rescue and loved hunting, cooking BBQ, bee keeping, woodworking and a host of treasured attributes. Lee’s main love was helping people find Jesus. Lee spent countless years studying God’s Word to share it from the pulpit, Bible Studies, Church Camp, around a campfire or anywhere someone would listen. Lee served as Minister at Chestnut Grove Christian Church from 2003 until he couldn’t find his words, even then he wanted people to know God’s Grace by saying, “I’m a winner either way, if I go or if I stay.” Lee shared in Baptisms, weddings, funerals, and celebrations of life with many; he loved deep and was committed to anything he got involved in. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Blackburn; his sister, Shirley Mae Stinson. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife of thirty-six years, Tamra Norris Blackburn; three daughters, Melissa Lynch and husband, Mark and Leanne Moran and husband, Steve, both of Burkes Garden, VA and Zachlynn Lallande and husband, Adam of Abingdon, VA; one son, Jimmy Lee Blackburn of the home; seven grandchildren, Michael and Marie Lynch, Samuel Moran, Anderson, Chandler, Rylee and Landri Lallande; four brothers, Jerry Blackburn and wife, Darlene of Tazewell, VA, John Blackburn and wife, Lori of Pantego, NC, Jody Howery and wife, Sharon of Bath, NC and Ricky Blackburn and wife, Blair of Washington, NC; three sisters, Kathy Boyd of Pantego, NC, Drema Moore and husband, Glen of Bath, NC and Frances Wilkins and husband, Robert of Belhaven, NC; special friend who was like an angel, Pam Moss; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends also survive. Funeral Services for Mr. Blackburn will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2021 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell, VA with Minister Ronnie Mullins officiating. Burial will follow at the Central Church Cemetery in Burkes Garden, VA. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 5, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you help “Send a Kid to Camp” by sending memorial donations for camp scholarships to a place Lee loved: Christian Acres Service Camp: 1351 Evangelism Road, Bluefield, WV 24701. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA is serving the family of Mr. Blackburn and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.