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 he 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 touchdown. Harris went on to graduate from Middle Georgia College where he not only got the diploma, but met the girl, Glenda, who would later become his best friend and loving wife of 58 years. After Middle Georgia College he entered Georgia Southern earning both bachelor’s and master’s 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 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, whose 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 led 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. Everything 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 Chamber of Commerce, 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 memorial service (casual dress) will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Washington Wilkes Airport 351 Airport Road Washington, Georgia. His cremains will be interred at Rest Haven Cemetery in the Blackmon plot at a later date.

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.