Benny Blackburn Passes Away

Clinton, NC (Oct. 4, 2019) Ralph “Benny” Blackburn, 67, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday evening, October 2, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 5, 1951 in Sampson County, Benny was the son of the late Wilbert and Doris Wood Blackburn. He was a retired Quality Assurance Supervisor with Butterball Turkey and member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Benny loved music and sang tenor with the Gold City Quartet, The Anchormen, and most recently, The Harvesters. He had a passion for children of all ages and had a heart of gold. Benny will be missed greatly by all who knew him, because to know him was to love him.

Danny Parker, lead singer and manager for The Harvesters, posted the following: “Benny Blackburn, former 1st Tenor for The Harvesters, made his transition from his earthly home to his Heavenly home Wednesday evening October 2, 2019. Gospel Music has lost a great friend and singer. So thankful for the time we shared on stage together with The Harvesters, riding the bus and just spending time together. While my heart is heavy with this tremendous loss, we can rest assured that Benny is rejoicing in Heaven and singing better than ever before. Many will remember Benny sharing his talented voice while singing with The Anchormen, Gold City and The Harvesters. Rest in Peace my brother.”

Benny is survived by his wife, Peggy Shaffer Blackburn; daughter, Kristy Blackburn; son, Scott Blackburn of Goldsboro; two sisters, Betty B. Moore of Comfort and Wanda B. Tatum of Clinton; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law: Don Tatum and Henry “Knocker” Moore.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 6th from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Royal-Hall Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, October 7, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Raeford Carter and Rev. Eugene Hales officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.