Birth date: Mar 20, 1940 Death date: Dec 29, 2022
Blackburn, Charles Ralph II. Ralph Blackburn passed away December 29, 2022 at the age of 82. Ralph was born March 20, 1940, the only child of Joe Harrison Blackburn and Myrtle Marie Brown Blackburn in Houston Texas where he was ra Read Obituary
Math classes at Tulane. Dinners and bridge at my place or theirs in college, grad school, until the boys were 8-9 years old. Returned cigar Ralph gave me when Charles was born back to Charles when he was grown, but he was not impressed! Introduced/treated them to TITAS in the early 1980’s.! Hearing singing at Valley View Mall, followed sounds to find Ralph with the very beginnings of Turtle Creek Chorale! Ran into them in Manhattan one night! Ralph planting pansies in front of their St Michael’s home the afternoon of a Texas Boys Choir Gala Benefit that very evening in their home “to spruce up the front walk.” “You saved our lives” in grad school by caring for infant Charles and giving them Emetrol for an intestinal bug that felled them.. Known and loved and admired and enjoyed Ralph and Jo for 65 years! Ralph’s already singing with the angels in Heaven and joining other arts groups, asking where the computers are! My love and hugs to you, dear Jo, Charles, Johnny, et al. Sorry I can’t be there, but church says you are videotaping—put me on the list to see/hear it!
I shall always remember seeing Ralph, with Jo at his side, in attendance at so many performances, whether matinees or galas. His work on behalf of arts organizations, whether as a Founder, Board Member, Subscriber, Donor or Supporter is unsurpassed. Rest in Peace, Ralph - you will be sorely missed.
Ralph was an icon to our musical extended family — the Turtle Creek Chorale, The Women’s Chorus of Dallas, Resounding Harmony. We will miss him dearly. Condolences to Jo and all his family; may his memory be a blessing.
Ralph was a workhorse when it came to arts advocacy, always picking up and doing the little pieces that no one noticed, but critical to keep all the wheels turning. He showed up at City Hall when we needed our faces there. And he was always optimistic, always had a smile, and just so pleasant to be with. Sadly we take people like this for granted, and I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to tell him just how much he was appreciated. Rest your soul dear Ralph. And thank you.
Ralph was a true Renaissance man. I think I first me him through Deep Ellum Opera Theatre. He was multi-talented and was always warm and kind. I'm so sad to learn of his passing. I had not seen him in person for several years, but always enjoyed my memories of him. Love and light to his wife and children.
