Mr. Roger Gray Blackburn was born to the late Willie Ray Miller and Daisy Mae Blackburn on March 14, 1954. Affectionately known as "Bro Black" and "Daisy Mae's Baby Boy" He grew up in Pfafftown, NC and attended Bethlehem AME Zion Church.

He received his education from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools. In 1972 he joined the United States Army. After his tour of duty was over, for 17 years he worked for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

After leaving Reynolds he started his lawn service and doing odd jobs. He tried to fix anything and enjoyed helping people. He also attended Forsyth Technical Institute and earned his degree in Auto Mechanics. Roger loved to work on cars and especially loved going to Drag Races.

He was a straightforward person, never biting his tongue about anything. He never met a stranger. If you needed advice, he would just tell you just like it was. Roger loved his family. His favorite expression was "I'm Daisy Mae's Baby Boy!" followed by a proud thump on his chest!!! An avid sportsman,

he was a diehard Washington Football team fan.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Ray Miller and Daisy Mae Blackburn; sisters: Margaret Ann Blackburn, Linda Kay Hardy, Mary Catherine Boles, Karin Elizabeth Crowell; brothers: Robert Benjamin Blackburn and Sam Speas; stepdaughter, Esthelita Pate Byers;

nephew, Leon Conrad, Sr.; and great-nephew, Leon Conrad, Jr.

Mr. Blackburn leaves to cherish his memories: stepson, Robert (Sophia) Pate aka "Robbie"; stepdaughter, Immetta Pate (Reginald) Byers aka "Ms. Moot"; adopted sister Diann (Harold) Carter; sisters: Carol Jean Everhart, Alice Blackburn Conrad, Vera Veronica Blackburn, and Debra Blackburn Wallace; brother, Ronald Thomas;

three nieces: Jenetta Arnold, LaTonya Blackburn Rice, and Lea Hardy-Wilson; a dear close friend, Dreamer Bailey;and a host of nephews and great-nephews;

brother-in-law Sam (Brenda) Conrad; Ms. Rice; and many friends.

A private memorial service will be held for Mr. Blackburn at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Interment at Salisbury National Cemetery.

For a copy of funeral program click here