[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 114 (Friday, July 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE MEMORY OF REV. HAROLD BLACKBURN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 30, 2010

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay homage to the memory of a 
much beloved servant of the Lord--and good friend to many in South 
Alabama--who recently passed away at the age of 93.
  For some, a career of nearly two decades working for the phone 
company would be the foundation of their life, yet for Harold 
Blackburn, a native of Citronelle, Alabama, it was just a warm-up. He 
was destined for a higher calling.
  After 19 years at South Central Bell, Mr. Blackburn traded his 
business clothes for the cloth, becoming a minister of the Lord.
  For the next 36 years, Reverend Blackburn--or Brother Harold as he 
was affectionately known--embarked upon a grand journey that took him 
from the pulpit to the field, first serving as pastor for a number of 
Southern Baptist churches all across Alabama.
  From the church sanctuary, Reverend Blackburn turned his message to 
outreach, becoming Director of Missions, serving churches in Clarke and 
Chambers counties for 23 years, and then leading Baldwin County church 
missions programs for another 13 years.
  Reverend Blackburn loved nature and was also an avid hunter. In his 
retirement years in Silverhill, Alabama, he was well known for his 
interest in taxidermy.
  Without question, this man of incredible faith lived a long and 
remarkable life with a legacy of dear friends that literally stretches 
from one end of the state to the other.
  In this time of deep personal loss, I offer my condolences to his 
wife and childhood sweetheart, Miriam, their two daughters, Carol Ann 
and Deborah Kay, their six grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.
  Make no mistake: he loved his family, his friends, his country and 
his God, and not necessarily in that order.
  Rev. Blackburn's life was an inspiration to everyone he met and his 
memory will long linger in our hearts. May he rest in peace.

                          ____________________