We are saddened by the passing of Bishop Roger Blackburn, who was a remarkable man of God. Since the beginning of my acquaintance with Brother Blackburn, he has always been a servant and a leader. Over the years, he has provided service to the South Texas District UPCI in a variety of capacities.
In his current role, he serves as the District Presbyter of the Houston Metro East Section of the South Texas District. He is now serving our district. After the conclusion of the meeting in 2019, when I was elected to serve as South Texas District Superintendent, he was the first person to recognize me and offer his congratulations.
It was during that crucial moment that his words of support and affirmation were very powerful. One thing that he said to me at that time, and something that he has continued to say to me ever since, was, “If there is anything that I can do to assist you in any way, please just let me know.” Let me be of service to you. As Sister Reta Blackburn and his darling children struggle to come to terms with the loss of this wonderful man, I ask that you kindly pray for them. With dignity and grace, he confronted the problems that he encountered. At the Holzer Medical Center in Jackson, on the 27th of August from 2007. In Oak Hill, Ohio, on March 16, 1950, he was born.
His parents, Marvin and Flossie Madden Blackburn, both passed away before his birth. Beverly Adkins Blackburn, who is still alive, was Roger’s wife prior to his passing.He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a member of the McArthur Corps. He worked at General Mills in Wellston. In addition to his wife, Roger is survived by his son, Richard Anthony, and his daughter, Samantha Nicole, both of Columbia, South Carolina; two brothers, Mike and Jimmy Blackburn, both of Oak Hill; and two sisters, Rita Blackburn of Jackson and Shirley Pettit of Portsmouth. Richard Anthony and Samantha Nicole both reside in Columbia.
Not only did he lose his parents, but he also lost his only son, Samuel Brian, who passed away before him. Roger Blackburn, Bishop, was a genuine Christian. He was a Christian. In front of the entire world, he demonstrated a love for both God and other people.
Whether it was in his personal and family life, in the business arena in the Gulf Coast Region, or in the church, both locally and globally, he succeeded at everything that was entrusted into his care. He was highly successful in all of these areas. Whatever it was that his hand discovered to do, he performed it with all of his strength. In addition to seeking healing, he brought about wholeness.
He was a friend of the ministry and a pastor of pastors. He was a church leader. Along the same lines as Abraham, he was a buddy of God. The efficacy and fervor of his prayers were of great benefit. Compassion, the term that so aptly encapsulated the emotional life of our Lord, was the defining characteristic of his character. There was a great deal of sympathy in Bishop Blackburn. A man who was filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, he was a man.
The real love of God and tenderness with which he dealt with each and every individual he encountered were hallmarks of his spiritual authority. In the absence of his presence, the world will be different; but, his legacy and influence will continue to make the world and eternity a better place through their continued impact. We ask that you pray for his families.
