Obituary - Ronald Lewis Blackburn

Ronald Lewis Blackburn, 74, of North Chesterfield, VA,  passed into eternity on Monday, December 29, 2025, at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Richmond, VA on June 25, 1951, to Morten H. and Kathleen L. Blackburn.

Ron attended school in Richmond and Chesterfield County and was a member of the Midlothian High School Class of 1969. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University and earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education in 1992.  He taught Middle and High School Art in Henrico County. It was at VCU that Ron met Betty Soukup, a fellow Art Foundation student. They were married in 1987 and remained so for over 38 years.

Ron was a Master Journeyman Carpenter, having apprenticed from 1972-76. He worked on numerous construction jobs throughout the Richmond area for over 40 years. His passion was historic preservation and restoration. He treasured his experiences working at Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Henricus Historical Park, where he designed and built several structures. His carpentry skills extended to his love of wooden ships. He was a shipbuilder and sailmaker.

Ron was a student of history who engaged in reenactment events and films for many years, primarily in the 17^th century genre. He was a member of the Virginia Militia, a historical reenactment and educational group; he represented the militia at Henricus and numerous events across Virginia and Maryland.

He was a lifelong artist whose primary focus was sculpture in various media.  His talent could also be seen in his drawings and paintings. His additional skills included ballroom dancing, which he taught in his youth, furniture building and repair, and cooking, just to name a few.  He loved genealogy, antiques, vintage automobiles, fine linens and china, gardening, opera and ballet, vintage westerns on TV and film, British mysteries on PBS. His knowledge of topics of interest was vast.  Many have called him a true Renaissance Man.

Ron’s deep love for his family and friends was dearest to his heart. He treasured every moment spent with his loved ones and looked forward to each opportunity to be together.  He is survived by his wife, Betty S. Blackburn of North Chesterfield, VA; his children, Jessica Blackburn and her partner, Michael Hathaway of Henrico, VA and Patrick M. Blackburn of North Chesterfield, Va; sister, Patricia A. Schulze and brother-in-law David E. Schulze of Morganton, NC; sisters Nancy L. Blackburn and Judy B. Shortt of Roanoke, VA; mother-in-law, Lucille A. Soukup; and sister-in-law, Catherne C. Soukup, both of Wilmington, DE; brother-in-law, Alan D. Soukup of Rockville, MD; sister-in-law, The Rev. Dr. Nancy H. Soukup of West Warwick, RI; dear friends, Dennis Strawderman and Lamar Bannister; nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.

A Celebration of Life is planned for June. It was Ron’s wish that any memorials in his name be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105, or a cause of one’s choice.