Final Salute

Jasper Wayne Blackburn, 61, passed away Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, after a short battle with COVID. Wayne was born March 25, 1960, in Savannah. He graduated in 1977 from Memorial Day School and Valdosta State College in 2005 with a bachelor of science in education. Wayne served as a seabee in the United States Navy, receiving an honorable discharge in 1988. He then began his career with the Kings Bay Naval Support Services from 1988 until present. Wayne was a member of the Lake Forest Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon.
Wayne was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.W. and Nell Marie Blackburn and S.B. and Linda S. Tippins.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julie Durrence Blackburn; sons, Steven (Kim) Blackburn and Brandon (Brooke) Blackburn; father, Jasper Blackburn and friend, Ginny Murray; mother, Clarice (Jim) Wadsworth; mother-in-law, Genevieve (Romie) Kirkland; grandchildren, Charlotte “Charlie” and Glavin Blackburn; stepgrandchildren, Serie, Trent and Will Compton; brother, Barry Blackburn; sister, Linda (Mike) White; sister-in-law, Ronda (Dennie) Boatwright; nieces and nephews, Jason (Brittany) White and children, Lilly, Willow, and Autumn, Amanda (Adam) Feeder and daughter, Milena, Chelsea White and son, Wyatt Robinson, Lee Jones ,Misty (Ryan) Chancey and daughter, Eddy.
Graveside service and burial will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Hillcrest Abbey East, Savannah. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Abbey East, Savannah.
Pallbearers will be Steven Blackburn, Brandon Blackburn, Barry Blackburn, Randall Tippins, Jason White and Billy Griner.
Memorial remembrances can be made to one’s charity of choice or to Lake Forest Church of Christ, 950 Edgewood Ave. West Jacksonville, FL 32208.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home, Claxton, is in charge of arrangements.