Bradley D. Blackburn
May 1, 1934 - December 10, 2023
Bradley D. Blackburn, age 89, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
Born in Ashe County, NC on May 1, 1934, he was a son of the late Wiley and Ina (Oliver) Blackburn. Bradley served, with honor, in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, where he earned the rank of Petty Officer 3rd class.
Bradley worked as an independent carpenter in construction most of his life. His family’s company, Blackburn Construction, was known for a motto he was most proud of, “We bust our balls to raise your walls.” His final project was helping to build the local Middletown High School. After retiring in 1997, Bradley became an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, where he got great enjoyment out of helping deliver meals to members of his community.
In addition to his parents, Bradley was preceded in death by his wife, Grace P. Blackburn; brothers, Elmer Blackburn and Earl Blackburn; and sisters, Thelma Burris, Jesse Hack Barth and Iva Ruth Blackburn. He is survived by his sons, Dwayne A. (Debra) and Dennis D. Blackburn; siblings, Richard Blackburn, Evalene Baugus and Imogene Sanders; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and long-time companion, Bonnie Hill.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bradley’s memory to Accent Care Hospice, 6400 Shafer Court, Suite 700, Rosemont, IL 60018 or online by clicking here.
Lanny B
I am totally lost for words! We were both on the same page when we talked! Gonna miss ya Uncle! From riding dirt bikes in the mountain’s to playing cards with whiskey memories to last a lifetime! R.I.P.
Nancy Blackburn
Sorry to hear of Bradley’s passing
. He was always one of my favorite relative of my father-in-law Jim Blackburn
Shirley Blackburn
I’m so sorry Bradley. You are such a wonderful man. You will always be remembered. Love you much.
Michelle Blackburn
Pop-pop, thank you for being a wonderful grandfather. You’re one of a kind and you’ll be missed especially during this time of year.
Larry Blackburn
Was hoping you would be around awhile, I will miss your laughter and fellowship at family reunions. Seemed to always have a smile on your face. Blessings and condolences to your family.
Richard Blackburn
Mary and I wish we knew the right words to express our condolences for the loss of Bradley. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family.
As Bradley’s younger brother I am flooded with great memories of our growing up years. Growing up together on a farm gave us a diversity of experiences. Brad was a great mentor for me.We usually behaved but we also had episodes of mischievous behavior.
He will be missed by all.
Lois Blackburn-Robinson
They don’t make them like Bradley anymore. A.K.A. John Wayne, A.K.A. Son of a Gun. You will be missed. My best memories are when you used to visit our house when we were children. You always made us laugh.