Mr. Ralph Blackburn II's Obituary
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 raised and graduated from Lamar High School. He received a full tuition scholarship to Tulane University where he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration in Operations Research. As a freshman he met Joanett Rogers and they were married his senior year. They were married for 61 years. At his death, she and their 2 sons were by his side.
Ralph began work in the early computer industry initially working for IBM as a systems engineer writing operating systems on punch cards. He even developed an early computer system for hospitals to develop menus based on specific dietary requirements. After a few years he was recruited by ARCO Oil and Gas and moved the family to Dallas Texas where he worked for 30 years until taking an early retirement offer when the company was sold to BP and the Dallas office closed. While there he achieved the position of Senior Financial Analyst and developed computer systems to analyze geological data as well as logistical strategies. After leaving ARCO he worked on a number of computer projects, writing programs to assist in teaching among others. He eventually began teaching as an adjunct professor in the Dallas County Community College District.
The arts were Ralph’s greatest passion. He was an accomplished pianist having played since an early age. He was often asked to play for various functions and events and was always happy to oblige. He also sang bass and was a regular singer in his church choir. He was a founding member of the Turtle Creek Chorale from the very first rehearsal and participated with them for over 40 years. He served on their board as well as being instrumental in the creation of the Dallas Women’s Chorus, where he also served as a board member. He served as Executive Director at the Dance Council of North Texas as well. He was also an avid player of Duplicate Bridge participating in numerous groups and making many friends along the way.
Ralph is survived by his wife Joanett, sons Charles Ralph III (Charlie) and John Joseph and his wife Jean. Grandson Brian Anthony, granddaughters Alicia Deanne and Chelsea Nicole Lemmer and her husband Jeff, along with their children Shannon, Jacob and Teddy. Visitation will be at Restland Funeral Home on January 04, 2023 from 3pm to 5pm. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation in Ralph’s name to the Turtle Creek Chorale, The Dallas Women’s Chorus, Bruce Wood Dance, or the arts organization of your choice.
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