Robert "Bob" Blackburn

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Robert “Bob” Blackburn, age 87, of Crawford, Tennessee, a former longtime resident of Venice, Florida, will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM in The Chapel of Goff Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at New Hope Christian Church in Nokomis, Florida, with time to be announced when determined. A private family inurnment will be in the Venice Memorial Gardens. Family members will officiate. Mr. Blackburn was born on Thursday, January 12, 1939, in Sarasota, Florida, to the late Calvin Duese Blackburn and Verna Arnold Blackburn. He passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Overton County Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Blackburn worked for many years as a tool and die maker. He also owned and operated a cattle ranch with his family, at one time caring for more than 1,000 head of cattle. The Blackburn family was among the original families to settle in Florida, and he is remembered as one of the state’s original Florida cowboys. He loved fishing, golfing, four-wheeling, traveling, and spending time outdoors enjoying country life. He was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of Life Church in Cookeville and found great joy in reading and studying his Bible. One of his greatest joys was listening to his wife sing and play the piano. He deeply loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and cherished time spent with his pets and family. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 23 years, Pamela Abercrombie Blackburn of Crawford, Tennessee Children: Jeffrey (Anacitas) Blackburn of Atlanta, GA Randy (Sheryl) Kirkland of North Port, FL Daryl Kirkland of North Port, FL Robin (Larry) Villegas of Pasco, WA Steven (Denise) Hiott of Christiana, TN Michelle (Nick) Morphew of Brooksville, FL He is also survived by 12 grandchildren (with more to come) and 17 great-grandchildren In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Albert Blackburn and Phillip Blackburn. The family will receive friends at Goff Funeral Home on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM, with lunch to follow. Service time for New Hope Christian Church in Nokomis, Florida, will be announced. Arrangements and care are provided by D.M. Goff Funeral Home, Inc., 205 East Cleveland Avenue, Monterey, Tennessee 38574, Phone: 931.839.2311.

Robert "Bob" Blackburn

January 12, 1939 - February 3, 2026