The Rev. Harold Blackburn, who for 13 years was Director of Missions for Baldwin Baptist Association, died on July 10 at the age of 93. The final moments of Blackburn’s life were not unlike his many years in Christian ministry in the sense that he made a faith declaration from his hospital bed and passed from this world with his family singing an old Baptist standard, “Because He Lives,” at the bedside.

Blackburn was a native of Citronelle, and he and his wife, Miriam, recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Blackburn was a resident of Silverhill.

Former state senator Albert Lipscomb of Magnolia Springs worked with Blackburn as director of Christian Social Ministries for approximately five years at Baldwin Baptist Association. Lipscomb remembers Blackburn as a “caring, giving person, good husband and father, and good friend to so many people.

“He was very gifted. He could do so many different things and do them well.”

When Lipscomb later ran for public office, Blackburn played a major role in getting Lipscomb elected to the State Senate. Blackburn was “tireless” in that regard, Lipscomb recalls.

“He went way beyond the call. He was working for the same thing I was … Christian citizenship.”

Blackburn worked for South Central Bell for 19 years. He pastored several Southern Baptist churches in Alabama before becoming Director of Missions in Clarke and Chambers counties prior to his long association with Baldwin Baptist churches in that same capacity.

Blackburn was an avid hunter who maintained a well-known taxidermy business into retirement.

The Rev. Bill Stephens of Vernant Park Baptist Church came to that church in 1982, while Blackburn was serving as Director of Missions for Baldwin Baptist Association.

“I think Harold’s character, conduct and commitment to church and community should be noted,” Stephens said this week.

Regarding Blackburn’s leaving South Central Bell to embark upon Christian ministry, Stephens said, “(Harold) never looked back. He was a man who finished his life well and will surely be one of those who will hear ‘well done.’”

Stephens also pointed out that Blackburn was still engaged and involved even in his latter years.

“He stayed true to his values and commitments,” Stephens said.

Besides his wife, Blackburn is survived by two daughters, a brother, six grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at Silverhill First Baptist Church, and Blackburn was laid to rest at Bethel Baptist Cemetery in Citronelle.

Memorials can be made to Silverhill First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 246, Silverhill, AL 36576.