Alex Graden Blackman, Sr.

Benson (Meadow Community), NC: Mr. Alex Graden Blackman, Sr., age 87, passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 1:00PM to 3:00PM at the Benson Global Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Benson. 

Mr. Graden was born in the Meadow Community of Johnston County, NC to the late Rev. Rossie Graden and Versie Wood Blackman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Lane Medlin Blackman; and a sister, Dorothy Blackman Shockley. Mr. Graden was a graduate of Gaston Tech in Gastonia and retired from Westinghouse as a Supervisor for 38 years. His passion was sharing the Gospel through southern gospel music as a DJ with WCKB Radio Station in Dunn for 29 years. Mr. Graden was a member of Hood’s Grove Baptist Church where he loved singing in the choir and organizing 5th Sunday song services. He served as an active member of the North Carolina State Annual Singing Convention for many years. In Mr. Graden’s spare time he loved working around his farm, riding his tractors, working in his garden and fishing at the coast with Mrs. Pat. 

Mr. Graden is survived by his children, son, Alex Blackman, Jr.; daughters, Debbie Harrell and husband, Bobby, Cindy Cole and husband, Bill; grandchildren, Jason Cole, Heather Brown and husband, Michael, Ben Harrell and wife, Stephanie, Abigail Harrell, Malcolm Blackman; great-grandchildren, Raleigh Cole, Liberty Cole and Jackson Harrell; brother, Corbett Blackman and wife, Sue Lynn of Dunn; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the SECU Hospice House, P. O. Box 1376, Smithfield, NC 27577.

Prayers are appreciated during this time.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home, Benson, NC.