Passing of VP-4 Vet AT2 Robert W. Blackford VP-4 1968 – 1971

May 27, 1947 – April 5, 2021

During the 1968-69 deployment, Bob flew with Crew 9 as the Julie-ECM Operator.  During the 1969-70 deployment he worked in Avionics. 

Robert “Bob” Wayne Blackford, 73, of Apex transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, April 5, 2021 at his home. 

Bob was born in Pennsylvania on May 27, 1947 to the late Norman and Beulah (Storm) Blackford. Bob had a decorated career in the United States Navy and finally retiring from the North Carolina Army National Guard. When Bob was home from the National Guard he was a servant protecting and helping his community as a Paramedic, spending over 20 years running with Apex EMS as well as with several agencies around Wake County. He also provided EMS services as a first aid volunteer with the Triangle Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Bob was an IBM employee for 30 years. He also coached his sons’ sports teams and loved the Carpenters and Celtic music and his favorite radio station was 104.7 WPTK.

Bob is survived by his wife, Hope Blackford, and sons, Robert A. Blackford and Jeffrey E. Blackford along with several grandchildren whom he loved and adored. Bob is also survived by his brother James Blackford and his sister Linda Blackford.

A Memorial Service will be held in Bob’s honor at 2:00pm on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St. Apex, NC 27502. Bob’s remains will be buried at sea by the United States Navy at a later date.

All are welcome to attend Bob’s memorial with visitation to follow; the family kindly asks all attendees to wear a mask at all times and social distance when permitted.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Women’s Center of Wake County, 400 W. South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/apex-nc/robert-blackford-10141171
Condolences may be sent to jeblackford@gmail.com or mailed to
The Blackford Family 104 South Tunstall Avenue
Apex, NC  27502-1943

—
Larry HamesAVCM USN (Ret)
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager
database@vp4association.com