Bobby Joe "Bob" Blackburn, 78, of Loyall, Kentucky, closed his eyes for the final time in this life and opened them in the presence of his Lord on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. He was at the Johnson City Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Pikeville, KY, on October 29, 1947, to James William (J.W.) and Fannie Kennedy Blackburn. Bob's family moved to Harlan County when he was very young and he attended Rosspoint and Harlan City Schools. At the age of seventeen, he dropped out of school, forged his father's signature, and enlisted in the United States Army. He served four years and was stationed in Germany most of those years. Bob loved his time in Germany and visited many different areas of the country.

Upon being honorably discharged, Bob returned to Harlan County where he met his 'first wife', the love of his life, Sharon Laws. The two were wed on March 22, 1969, and were blessed with fifty-six beautiful years together and two sons, whom they adored, Robby and Adam.

One of Bob's first jobs was working the press machine at the Harlan Newspaper, where he worked for many years. He also worked at Kiley Electric. He always had a love for working on anything mechanical and that love led him to open Venable Enterprises. He was the owner/operator for almost fifty years, serving the people of Harlan County with his quiet, selfless, generous manner. During these years, Bob earned his GED.

Anyone who knew Bob well knew of his faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his deep love for his church family at Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and teacher of the men's Sunday school class. He was an active, faithful member of Celebrate Recovery, AA, and the Harlan City Jail ministry. Bob was instrumental in bringing about The Hope Center (Cumberland Hope Community) and was on the Board of Directors. He was a friend of Bill's for thirty-six wonderful years.

Truly to know Bob was to love him. He could bring a smile to your face and a belly laugh with his quick wit. He was always willing to stop what he was doing and go to someone who required his calm, loving presence in their time of need. The lives he has touched over his seventy-eight years will never be fully known. He loved to fish, loved his family more than anything, and was so ready to see his Savior. The void he leaves in the lives of those who knew and loved him will never be filled but we have the assurance that those who belong to God will see him again.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Fannie Blackburn, his brother, Roger, and his in-laws, Albert and Gladys Laws. He is survived by his 'first wife', Sharon Blackburn; sons, Robby Blackburn and wife, Edna, and Adam Blackburn, all of Loyall; four beloved grandchildren: Seth (Ruthie) Blackburn, Emily (Caleb) Kelly, Abigail and Noah Blackburn; one great-grandson, Casper Joseph Blackburn; a sister, Renee (Berie) Davis; brother-in-law, Jim Laws; a host of extended family members; special friends, Jack and Pat Anderson; and many dear friends.

Services for Bob will take place Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Harlan Funeral Home. Visiting hours will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm, with the funeral service following at 6:00 pm. Reverend David Overbay and Jimmy Lawson will be officiating.

A private burial service will be conducted on Friday at Resthaven Cemetery. Military Rites will be presented by the Harlan Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, Bob would have wanted memorial contributions be made to the Cumberland Hope Community, 6050 Hwy 38, Evarts, KY 40828.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Bob Blackburn.