Ralph Blackstock, 97, passed away Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Madison, MS.

Visitation will be on October 11, 2023, from 1:00 PM -2:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS, followed by a service at 2:00 PM with Bro. Sammy Crawford officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Mr. Blackstock was born on July 10, 1926, in Worth Co., GA to the late C.O. Blackstock and Lillie Mae Haman Blackstock. He was the tenth of thirteen children. He graduated as co-valedictorian of his graduating class. In January 1945 he joined the U.S. Navy. After his discharge, he took a "temporary" job with the J.C. Penney Co. in Albany, GA. Also working there was a young woman named Hazel Rice who became his first wife. His work with J.C. Penney's took them to several locations across the southeastern part of the US, eventually leading them to Columbus, MS. He retired from the company after 41 years. Following the death of Hazel after 45 years of marriage, he married Betty Basinger whom he also met working at J.C. Penney's. He was a faithful member of Fairview Baptist Church for many years. He was a longtime deacon at Fairview and served for one year as chairman of deacons. He was also active for many years in the Columbus Kiwanis Club. In addition to his parents and two wives, he was predeceased by five brothers and six sisters, one granddaughter, Kelly Blackstock, one great-granddaughter, Anna Brett Boothe, a step-son, Van Basinger(Deborah), and a step-grandson, Gabe Basinger(Kylie).

Ralph is survived by one sister, Geneva Miller,  son, Ken Blackstock(Terri), daughter, Jane Boothe(Vern), step-daughter, Lynn Whitlaw(Ron), grandsons, Lindsey Blackstock(Anna), Clay Boothe(Christine), Brett Boothe(Stacie), and Spencer Boothe(Casey), one step-grandson, Andrew Basinger(Shannon), step-granddaughters, Michelle King(Mike), Marie Pine(Ross), Kathey Dodson, and Ann Browning(Bud) and one sister-in-law(Betty Blackstock). He is also survived by several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1907 Dunbarton Drive, Suite C, Jackson, MS 39216, or Parkinson's Foundation at parkinsons.org.