Obituary of John Oral Blackmon

John Oral Blackmon of Summerfield, Florida passed away on January 22, 2024. Oral was a lifetime Marion County resident born on December 12, 1943 in Ocala, Florida. He served in the United States Army reserves during the Vietnam era. At the age of 16 he landed a position at Monroe & Chambliss Bank as a teller in the walk-up window.  He then decided to make banking a career and became a graduate of the Florida School of Banking. With a solid banking foundation and expertise gained during his career that spanned over 30 years he began helping others as a Manager and Vice President in the Credit Counseling industry.

Oral was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Belleview for over 59 years. He served as a deacon 50 of those years. He also served as a Sunday School Director overseeing many programs during his time and remained active in the men’s ministry.

His love of sports inspired him and others to work with the youth in the community. He was instrumental in the planning and development of the Belleview Sports Complex. He coached softball, baseball, and served as a referee and umpire. When he wasn’t coaching or at Church, he could be found in his recliner watching the Gators play ball.

Oral is survived by his wife; Peggy DeBruhl Blackmon; sons Jon and David; grandchildren Jonathan, Elizabeth and Emily.

He joins his parents Doyle John, Naomi Stoops Blackmon and brother Harold in Heaven.

Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Belleview from 1:00pm - 2:00pm on Saturday, January 27^th, 2024, with the service beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will follow at Crum Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Damon Walker Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church of Belleview or Cornerstone Hospice.