Noble "Bill" Granger Blackman, IV

Noble “Bill” Granger Blackman, IV, 64, passed away on Thursday, February 16.  A celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 20 at the Wilson Elks Lodge from 5p.m.-8 p.m. 

Bill was a beloved member of the community. During his nearly 40 years at Blackman Insurance, he served many farmers and clients. Outside of work, Bill acted as a public servant to the City of Wilson and Wilson County. His love for the town of Wilson was undeniable. Bill dedicated his life to making Wilson a better place, serving for decades on numerous boards including the Wilson County Planning Board, Diversified Opportunities, Rocky Mount Wilson Regional Airport, Wilson County Board of Health, Wilson County Young Farmer’s Association, Wilson County Properties, Emergency Communications Committee (Chairman), Emergency Medical Services Committee- Water Services, Recreation Committee for Capital Funding, and was an integral part of the Phillip Morris Leadership Program.  He was also a member of the Wilson Jaycees, Wilson Elks Lodge, and a past member of the Greater Rotary of Wilson.  Bill was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Wilson.

Bill played a significant role on the Wilson City Council and serving faithfully as a Wilson County Commissioner.

In addition to his work for the community, Bill was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed fishing at Rose Bay, on the Pungo River, and at his favorite “secret pond” in Lucama. He treasured his time hunting with friends at Wild Wings in Hyde County and sharing daily meals with friends at the Kountry Kitchen and Elks Lodge.

Bill is survived by his wife, Rose Blackman; mother, Kathryn Morgan; daughter, Shannon DuSablon (Gabriel); sons, Brandon Blackman (Katelyn) and Ashley Whitley (Reva); brother, Hunter Blackman (Terry); sister, Judy Satterfield (Bart); and eight grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Noble Granger Blackman, III.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all.

Memorials in Bill’s honor may be made to Wilson County Young Farmer’s Association, C/O Norman Harrell, 1806 Goldsboro St. SW Wilson, NC 27893 or Tobacco Farm Life Museum, PO Box 88, Kenly, NC 27542.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.