09/25/2026
With great sadness we announce the passing of Billy Blackburn. He will be missed beyond measure by his family and his island family.
Billy Gene Blackburn, Jr., of St. George Island, Florida, died on September 18, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born in Memphis Tennessee on July 16, 1949, to Billy Gene Blackburn, Sr., and Jane Lillian Daum Blackburn.
Family
Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Blackburn; his parents, Billy and Jane Blackburn; and his brothers, Jimmy and Paul Blackburn. He is survived by his sons, Brian Blackburn and his wife, Jessica Blackburn, and Brad Blackburn and his wife, Jayde Blackburn; his grandchildren, Zach Armistead, Nick Blackburn, Peyton Blackburn, Colby Blackburn, and Kyson Harris; and his great-grandson, Hansen Armistead. He is also survived by his brothers, Bobby Blackburn, Don Blackburn and his wife, Patty, and Jeff Blackburn, as well as his lifelong friend, Steve Pickle.
Service and Life on St. George Island
Billy joined the United States Army in 1970 and attained the rank of Sergeant. He served in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. Once stateside he finished his service as a drill instructor. Billy met and married Judy in Tallahassee. During their 53 years of marriage, they raised their two sons and worked hard to build BJ’s Pizza into a successful business on St. George Island. In retirement, Billy and Judy enjoyed traveling in their RV with their dogs, Murphy and Casey. At home on St. George Island, Billy loved visiting friends, riding the golf cart, fishing, attending FCHS to watch his grandsons play sports, and watching the Seminoles. He was proud of his family and enjoyed Island life to its fullest.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
