Harold Blackmon: 1940-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. — Harold Blackmon passed away peacefully at his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. He was 85.

Born on April 8, 1940, in Vicksburg, Harold was the youngest of four children of Wade William and Myrtle Virginia “Virgie” Blackmon-McCool. He graduated from Jett High School in 1959 and later served in the Army National Guard.

Harold was a devoted husband to Beatrice “Cooky” Blackmon, his beloved wife of 57 years. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and enduring partnership. Prior to retiring in 2007, he spent over 30 years in sales and management at Cowboy Maloney’s where he was known for his friendly spirit, strong work ethic, and reliability. We will always remember his quiet strength, gentle humor, and unwavering integrity that shaped our lives. He had a natural gift for making others feel welcome and at ease, offering kindness and meeting life’s challenges with calm resolve. He approached every task—whether in his career, his garden, or his community—with diligence, pride, and humility. Time spent together as a family was what he cherished most, and he taught us the importance of dependability and compassion—not through words, but by the way he lived. His example gave us not only love, but a legacy we will forever hold in our hearts.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Blackmon-Shipp. 
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Blackmon; two brothers, Wade Blackmon and Earl “Terry” Blackmon; three daughters, Kimberly Clarke, Virginia Renee Crutchfield, and Deborah McMillin; and six grandchildren: Kenny, Natalie, and Noah McMillin; Kasey and Ashlyn Drew Clarke; and Phillip Crutchfield.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to St. Joseph’s Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and dignity they provided during Harold’s final weeks. A special thank you goes to his nurse, Jessi Pennington, and nurse aide, Katherine Upshire, whose compassion and presence meant so much. The entire team’s support brought comfort not only to Harold, but to the whole family during a deeply difficult time.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm with services to follow at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue. 

The Vicksburg Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. Please submit obituaries to info@vicksburgnews.com.