Ft. Walton, FL - Robert C. Blackshear, 84, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019, after an extended illness.

Born August 28, 1934 in Alicia to Jesse Thomas and Matra Westerfield Blackshear, Robert graduated from Lake City High School in 1952 and completed two years of college before marrying the love of his life, Ida Mae Finch, in 1954.

Shortly after, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri and Robert worked for McDonnell Aircraft Corp. before being drafted in the Army in 1957. Following his honorable discharge, he worked for the Defense Contract Administration Services Region and eventually transferred to Robins AFB in Warner Robins, GA, where he worked in logistics until his retirement from Civil Service in 2000.

Robert enjoyed drawing and Bible study, and spent many enjoyable years working on genealogy with his brother Leon. He loved spending time with his family and was married to his loving wife for nearly sixty-five years, a testament to their commitment and love for one another.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and seventeen of his siblings.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ida; son, Daniel (Christy) Blackshear; granddaughter, Isabella Blackshear, all of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; sister, Margie (William) Dundore of Commerce, GA; and numerous extended family members.

Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday June 29, 2019 at Gregg Funeral Home in Monette with service at 12:00 pm with Donnie Mangrum officiating and interment will follow at Caraway Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Justin Gathright, Bishop Whitley, Aaron Liles, Cade Couch, Johnny Wayne Dunigan and Mike Brickell.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in Robert's memory to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.