Tupelo MS – Russell Leon Blackshear, 83, died Sunday, February 12, 2017, after a brief illness.

A native of Jonesboro, he was born May 3,1933 at Alicia, Arkansas to Jesse Thomas and Matra Westerfield Blackshear. He spent the first three years of Public School in a two room school house at Arbor Grove, Arkansas, about five miles southeast of Hoxie. A 1952 graduate of Lake City High School at Lake City, Arkansas he then went on to complete one first year at Arkansas State College. Leon was drafted the summer of his marriage and served two years in the U. S. Army. Following his honorable discharge as a Sergeant, Leon returned to Jonesboro to employment with the General Electric Company until his retirement around 1990. After retiring, Leon relocated with his family to Tupelo, MS where he went on to spread joy. He could be found at Connie’s nearly every morning relishing in the company of dear friends.

Leon was an outstanding athlete. He was named to the "all county" teams in Junior and Senior High School and to the "All District" Team in Senior High School. He enjoyed following his favorite teams, Arkansas Razorbacks, in College Baseball, Basketball and Football, and The St. Louis Cardinals in Professional Baseball. He spent twenty eight years working in Genealogy, developing a history of the Blackshear family. He had a unique affection and respect for his father's and his own family history.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents,Jesse and Matra Blackshear, 15 of his siblings, his son, Kenny, and his wife, Naomi.

Survivors include one sister, Margie Dundore of Commerce, GA; one brother, Robert (Bob) Blackshear of Fort Walton Beach, FL; one granddaughter, Amy Blackshear Hughes (Matt) of Tupelo MS; one grandson, Chad Thomas Blackshear (Elise) of Jackson MS; Eleven nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family members.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Gregg-Langford-Bookout Funeral Home. Mr. Robert Davis will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, 5159 Main St, Tupelo, MS 38801.