Willard Nelson Blackburn, a resident of Greenville, Alabama, passed away on February 3, 2025 at the age of 81.

Born on June 23, 1943, in Greenville, Alabama, Nelson grew up in Oakland Park, Florida.  He served in the U.S. Army for two years, of which he spent one year in Germany as a radio communications specialist.

Nelson is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Ruth Blackburn; brother, Lanny Blackburn; brother, Winston Blackburn; sister, Twynette Raysin; and brother-in-law, Lester Raysin.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-one years, Shirley Blackburn; his daughter, Tracy (Daniel) Salter; stepdaughters, Patte Giltner and Angie Paradise; grandchildren, Andrew Salter, Ryan Salter, and Elijah Salter; three great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Dian Blackburn; nieces and nephews, and other extended family.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home with Bro. Jason Simmons officiating and Johnson Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery, Georgiana, Al. The family will receive friends for visitation, beginning at 1:00 p.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Salter, Andrew Salter, Ryan Salter, Kyle Salter, Bryan Salter, and Dave Salter.