Horace T. Blackledge Sr.

Horace T. Blackledge Sr., 71, of Cambridge, died Tuesday (April 10, 2012) at Southeastern OH Regional Medical Center, Cambridge. He was born October 29, 1940 in Jackson MS, son of the late Thomas E. Blackledge and Ethel G. (Perkins) Blackledge. Mr. Blackledge had worked at Smurfitt Stone Container Corporation of Coshocton, where he worked in millwright maintenance. He was a member of the Unity Presbyterian Church of Cambridge and was chairman of the deacons at the church. Mr. Blackledge was a member of the Kiwanis Club, a treasurer for the Guernsey County Home Auxiliary, a SMART program board member, and a member of the Citizens Advisory Board at the former State Hospital. He also served as president of the board for the Stroke Support Group at Southeastern Med and was a member of the Cancer Survivors' Support Group. Mr. Blackledge was a US Army veteran, having served his country for nine years. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Horace T. Blackledge Jr.; and a brother, James Blackledge. He is survived by a son, Joshua (& Amanda) Blackledge of Cambridge; three daughters, Johanna P. "Pokey" Anderson (& Mark Zilka) of Cambridge, Ethel L. (& Paul) Gordy of Vicksburg MS, and Betty Ann (& Keith) Uzzle of Vicksburg MS; sixteen grandchildren, including Chase Anderson, Gabe Blackledge, Caleb Blackledge, and Gracie Blackledge; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews. Family and friends may call on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where funeral services will be held Saturday (April 14, 2012) at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jim Spain officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Guernsey County Veterans Council. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Horace's name to the Guernsey County Cancer Society, 927 E Wheeling Avenue, Suite 205, Cambridge OH 43725.