Frank Blackburn Obituary

Frank Alan Blackburn

Frank Alan Blackburn of Southport (St. James), North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, after a brief battle with advanced melanoma in the brain and lungs.

Frank was born Aug. 14, 1947, in Kenton, to Frank and Vera Blackburn. He attended Riverdale High School where he met his wife, Jacki, who survives him.

Known affectionately as "Al, BA, Gaga, and F. Al," he was a 14-year winner of Grandfather of the Year and leaves behind incredible grandkids, Sawyer, Drew, and Charleston, as well as daughter, Julie (m. Derek) Dingman of Woodstock, Georgia, and son, Andy (m. Jill) of Chicago, Illinois. He also leaves behind his sister, Karen (m. John) Roettger with a long list of incredible extended family throughout Ohio.

Al and Jacki's late son, Michael, passed away in 2003 and there is no doubt that father and son are together teeing it up and toasting the rest of us from Heaven.

Al grew up in Forest and graduated from Bowling Green State University. After earning an MBA from Xavier University, he began his career with Manufacturers Bank in Detroit before joining Huntington Bank in Columbus. In 1981, Al moved to Van Buren to join First National Bank of Findlay. There, he served on the boards of United Way, Junior Achievement, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Al finished his career as EVP with Fifth Third Bank in Toledo. After a few failed attempts at retirement, during which he taught as Dana Chair at The University of Findlay 2003-2004 and served as President of The First Bank of Pandora and The Exchange Bank, Luckey, Al and Jacki finally relocated to the beaches and courses of coastal Carolina. Al and Jacki were married for 52 amazing years filled with world travel, adventures, and spending time with family and friends. They moved to St. James in 2007 where Al was a regular on the golf course, pickle ball, Bike Club organizer, kayaking, beer club, and any other opportunity to socialize with their plethora of friends. Al was a diehard fan of Ohio State football (O-H!) and Chicago Cubs baseball and was known to watch every game!

A celebration of life service will be 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, on the beach behind St. James Beach Club, 100 SE 72nd St., Oak Island, North Carolina. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to First Tee of Brunswick County or your local First Tee Chapter.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com for the Blackburn family.

Arrangements are being handled by Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.