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BLACKBURN, H. CLAY, 95
BLACKBURN, H. CLAY, 95, of Plainfield, 95, passed away October 18 in the Woodridge Nursing Home in Berlin, with his wife of 63 years at his side. Clay was born Easter Sunday, April 8, 1917, in North Wilkesboro, N.C., to William Blackburn and Maggie Alexander. At the age of 17, his family moved to Belews Creek, N.C. Clay enlisted in the Army and was proud to be a World War II veteran where he acquired the nickname "Blackie." Clay later moved to Arlington, Va., where he met and married his wife, Athalie Smith, in 1949. The Blackburns made Arlington their home where they raised their four children. Clay worked as a letter carrier in the U.S. Postal Service until his retirement in 1973. Additionally, Clay worked a second job as a barber, a trade that he picked up in the Army. In 1974, the family moved to Plainfield onto the family's Perry Farm, established in 1793. Clay enjoyed retirement and often remarked, when asked how he kept himself occupied, that he was too busy to give it much thought. Clay was an active leader in the Indian Guides, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in both Virginia and Vermont. He also loved to take his wife and young family camping for many of their vacations. Over the years, Clay enjoyed a number of hobbies. He was an avid gardener, beekeeper, maple syrup maker, woodcarver, musician and hunter. As a father, he made every effort to be a part of each of his children's lives; in later years, as "granddaddy," he maintained that same effort. He was an active member of the Barre Baptist Church and a Mason for over 55 years. Survivors include three brothers, Billy, Justin and Chad Blackburn, and a sister, Mary Nell Manuel, all four of North Carolina. He is predeceased by six siblings. Also surviving are his four children, Alex Blackburn and fiancée, Susan Bour, of Berryville, Va.; Coralyn Mangelinckx and husband, Joe, of Londonderry, N.H.; Nelson Blackburn and wife, Kathy, of Charlotte, N.C.; and Bradley Blackburn and wife, Lydia, of Plainfield; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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