It is great sadness August 13, 2026 marks the passage of one of Wilkes County’s local sons. Edward “Harris” Blackmon, born January 26, 1946 A celebration of Life will take place at the Wilkes County Airport later in October Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mr. Edward Harris Blackmon.
Edward H Blackmon, WA4BZE SK Edward Harris Blackmon It is great sadness August 13, 2026 marks the passage of one of Wilkes County’s local sons. Edward “Harris” Blackmon was born January 26, 1946 at the “old” Washington Hospital to James Hines “Jimmy” Blackmon and Agnes Harris Blackmon. He was welcomed into his family by brothers James, Steve, Dilmus, and a protective special sister Norma Alice Blackmon Wallace. Harris was tall and lanky as a teenager but according to football Coach Charlie Davidson was told to bulk up by eating steak-Done, no problem there! He was delighted to be part of the 1963 state champion Tigers playing center and assisted the blocking to help the Tigers make the winning touch down. Harris went on to graduate from Middle Georgia College where he not only got the diploma, but met the girl who would later become his best friend and loving wife of 58 years. After Middle Georgia College he entered Georgia Southern earning both Bachelor and Masters degrees. The years were kind as their family proudly welcomed a daughter Susan and later Edward Jr “Bubba”. Harris taught Industrial Arts at Washington-Wilkes High School for five years. He also taught math, drafting and of special interest electronics. Someone once said Harris was the only person who could see electricity. He had the innate ability to interpret electrical prints no matter the language. While working during summer breaks at a local mill solving electronic issues he was strongly encouraged to start an electronic business. With Glenda who’s degree was in Business, they opened Blackmon Electronics and the rest is history. After its opening he felt he never worked another day in that he absolutely loved the career choice. This lead to travel throughout the south trouble shooting electrical problems. Harris held contracts with North American Controls, Lucidine and Opcon maintaining the only authorized repair center in the US other than an Everette, Washington factory. As times changed the business evolved into primarily sales and service with his business holding the sole contract of United States sales of equipment and services of Zellweger load management equipment out of Switzerland. Harris was fascinated by many interests, everything from metal detecting, making divinity at Christmas, origami, and amateur radio (Ham) holding WA4BZE license from early years until it became a silent key. Anything connected to the atmosphere was awesome to him from collecting kites to his all time favorite passion aviation. His first plane was a Piper Cub-a complete restoration project. Of course work was done at the house under the carport. He spent hours under the guidance of an A&P to bring the Colt back to life. When the time came to test the engine it only made sense to tie the plane to a strong tree in the yard and fire the engine. That got the neighbors attention! He went on from there to get his instrument rating in aviation and owned several planes. For many years he was proud to serve on the Wilkes County Board of Airport Commission as Chairman. He was elated to see the progress made at KIIY from hangers, runway expansion, new lights, fuel tanks and so much more. Throughout the years he served on the City Council, Kiwanis Club President twice, Little League Board, Band Boosters, Tour of Homes, and others. Harris’s love of flying was second only to the great love he had for his family. Susan married Wayne Hisaw in the 1898 family home which was a race in time to complete renovations by the wedding date. Bubba married a Florida girl Becky Roach and they became the parents of his greatest joys the grands-Trey (Edward III), Taylor and Tanner. His size fifteen shoes were a good foundation built on Wisdom, Kindness, Love of God and Family. Fly high my love! A celebration of Life will take place at the Wilkes County Airport later in October. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Washington Wilkes Ramp Ministry, P.O. Box 132, Washington, Ga. 30673. Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mr. Edward Harris Blackmon. https://www.beggsfuneralhome.net/obituaries/edward-blackmon
