Cecil Ray Blackmon
Cecil Ray Blackmon
DARLINGTON — Cecil Ray Blackmon, 82, a lifelong resident of Darlington, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 27, 2020.
Cecil, as his friends knew him, was born April 19, 1938, in Darlington and was the son of the late William Francis Blackmon Sr. and the late Ruby O’Neal Blackmon, both of Darlington and brother to the late William Francis Blackmon Jr. and the late Patricia Blackmon Huggins of Darlington.
As a boy, Cecil attended Darlington County schools and as a teenager in 1954, joined the Army where he served six years as a Signal Corps Signalman in Alaska and at Fort Bragg, N.C. After the Army, Cecil returned to Darlington where he began his employment with Pee Dee Electric Cooperative and retired in 1990 after 27 years with the company.
Mr. Blackmon was a charter member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Darlington, and the Chapter 11 DAV of Florence. He was a great Eagle Scout mentor to his grandson, T.J. Byrd, and was best known by everyone for his love of home, family, generosity to others and gentle nature.
Cecil enjoyed Southern nostalgia, classic cars, music, antiques and all things made in the United States of America. He was a true patriot at heart.
Cecil is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Langley Blackmon of Darlington, their three children, Tony (Kate) Blackmon, Tim (Christie) Blackmon, and Kelley (Tony) Byrd; and their seven grandchildren, William Blackmon, Stephen Blackmon, Kathleen Blackmon DuBoise, Terrha S. Lee, Hali B. Greene, T.J. Byrd and Caroline Byrd Kahn; and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 30, at Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Blackmon will be laid to rest at the Florence National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Faith Free Will Baptist Church, 1309 Lamar Highway, Darlington, SC 29532.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.kistlerhardeefuneralhome.com.