Background
Blackburn, Robert McGrady was born on September 12, 1919 in Bartow, Florida, United States. Son of Charles Fred and Effie Frances (Forsythe) Blackburn.
Blackburn, Robert McGrady was born on September 12, 1919 in Bartow, Florida, United States. Son of Charles Fred and Effie Frances (Forsythe) Blackburn.
Bachelor of Arts, Florida Southern College, 1941; Master of Divinity, Emory University, 1943; Doctor of Laws, Emory University, 1973; honorary Doctor of Divinity, LaGrange College, 1961.
Ordained to ministry, Methodist Church, 1943; pastor, United Methodist Church, Boca Grande, Florida, 1943-1944; associate pastor, First Methodist Church, Orlando, Florida, 1946-1948; associate pastor, First Methodist Church, Mount Dora, Florida, 1948-1953; associate pastor, First Methodist Church, DeLand, Florida, 1953-1960; associate pastor, First Methodist Church, Jacksonville, Florida, 1960-1968; senior pastor, First Methodist Church, Orlando, 1968-1972; bishop, United Methodist Church, Raleigh, North Carolina, 1972-1980; bishop, Virginia Conference, 1980-1988. Member program council United Methodist Church, 1963-1972. Delegate to Methodist General Confs., 1968, 70, 72.
Trustee Randolph-Macon College, Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Randolph-Macon Academy, Virginia Wesleyan, Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music, Ferrum College Served as chaplain United States Army, 1944-1946.
Married Mary Jeanne Everett, November 16, 1943 (deceased May 1977). Children: Jeanne Marie (Mistress Ramon Cox), Robert M., Frances Lucille. Married Jewell Haddock, September 9, 1978.