Tupelo - Russell Leon Blackshear, 83, died Sunday, February 12, 2017, after a brief illness.

A native of Jonesboro, he was born May 3, in Hoxie to Jesse Thomas and Matra Westerfield Blackshear. A 1952 graduate of Lake City High School, he then went on to complete one first year at Arkansas State College. Leon was drafted the summer of his marriage and served two years in the U. S. Army. Following his honorable discharge as a Sergeant, Leon returned to Jonesboro to the employment General Electric Company until his retirement around 1990. After retiring, Leon relocated with his family to Tupelo, MS where he went on to spread joy. He could be found at Connie's nearly every morning relishing in the company of dear friends.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, 15 of his siblings, his son, Kenny, and his wife, Naomi.

Survivors include one sister, Margie Dundore of Commerce, GA; one brother, Robert (Bob) Blackshear of Fort Walton Beach, FL; one granddaughter, Amy Blackshear Hughes (Matt) of Tupelo MS; one grandson, Chad Thomas Blackshear (Elise) of Jackson MS; and numerous extended family members.

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Gregg-Langford-Bookout Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, 5159 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38801.