Oct. 23, 1955 –

March 14, 2011

A celebration of the life of Gregory Tyrone Blackmon of McDonough, Ga., formerly of Bainbridge, will be Friday, March 18, in the chapel of Gus Thornhill Funeral Home in East Point, Ga., with the Rev. Ernestine Blackmon Cole officiating.

Committal rights and interment will be Monday, March 21, at 12:30 p.m. at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga.

Born Oct. 23, 1955, in Miami, Fla., Mr. Blackmon died on Monday, March 14, 2011.

Mr. Blackmon is the son of Corene Blackmon of Miami, Fla. His loving grandparents, the Rev. and Mrs. James Blackmon in Bainbridge raised him. As a child, Gregory was an important member of a supportive Blackmon family of aunts who were like his sisters and an uncle, who was like a brother. Religion and love were the roots of Gregory’s life. At an early age, he joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Bainbridge and was an active participant in various church and community activities.

Mr. Blackmon attended elementary and high school in the public schools system of Bainbridge. After graduating from Bainbridge High School, he attended Morehouse College in Atlanta. After three and a half years of study, he left to see the world. Several years passed before he found his true calling. With the urging of his uncle, James Blackmon, Gregory joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 27. His tours of duty included the first Gulf War, stations in Iceland and Virginia and a stint as a staff non-commissioned officer on a general’s staff. In the military, he found his true talent as a leader, organizer and instructor. His various assignments and hard work led to various military awards, decorations and promotions. He spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, from which he retired with the rank of master sergeant E7.

After retirement, Gregory began his new life as a civilian. He married his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy Thompson. Greg made a home for Dorothy and her son, Clyde, in McDonough, Ga. After several job experiences, Gregory landed a temporary position with the Internal Revenue Service, where he worked his way into a permanent position and several promotions. His work ethic and productivity proved to be outstanding and beneficial to the organization in which he worked. His co-workers will miss him.

Survivors include his mother, Corene Blackmon of Miami, Fla.; a brother, Errol Blackmon of Miami; his uncle, James of Atlanta, Ga.; two aunts, Ernestine of Decatur, Ga., and Betty of Stone Mountain, Ga.; a loving ex-wife and stepson, Dorothy Blackmon and Clyde Ferrell; and a host of cousins, other relatives, friends and co-workers.

Gus Thornhill Funeral Home in East Point, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.