Joe Benson Blackmon, 79, who resided on Blackmon Road, Orrum, NC died Tuesday, March 31, 2026, after an extended illness.

Mr. Blackmon lived most of his life in Robeson County and had been a school psychologist for the Robeson County Schools for many years before retiring.  He also had taught at Robeson Community College.

Mr. Blackmon was the son of Jack and Jane Paul Blackmon and the brother of Larry Blackmon, who predeceased him. After growing up in the Orrum area, Mr. Blackmon was graduated from high school there and joined the U.S. Marine Corps.  He served as a Marine until the untimely death of his father, then returned to help his mother run the family farm. Mr. Blackmon later earned a Master's Degree from The Citadel and entered the education field, where he devoted his working life. He also was a faithful and supportive member of Mt. Elim Baptist Church.

Mr. Blackmon grew up on a tobacco farm and, as a "farm kid," knew about and valued hard work from an early age. In later years, he enjoyed recounting how he had occasionally driven a tractor to high school.  Mr. Blackmon was an avid reader, especially of history, and his knowledge of both Civil War and Robeson County lore was extensive. He was a friendly and engaging conversationalist, always interested in asking questions to find out what others thought about whatever subject they were discussing. Mr. Blackmon also loved the American West, and watching Westerns on television was a favorite activity.

Mr. Blackmon is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Linda Townsend Blackmon, of the home and stepdaughters Sheila Pearsall and husband Chip of Bath, and Kim Guy and husband Mike of Orrum.  He was the proud grandfather of Christopher Guy and wife Savannah of Lumberton; Courtney Bradford and husband Adam of Fayetteville, Morgan Floyd and husband Ronnie of Orrum; and Caitlin Westbrook of Wake Forest. Mr. Blackmon was great-grandfather of Amelia and Troy Bradford and Lainey Floyd.  He also is survived by an aunt, Zell Davis, of Oklahoma.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 PM at Mt. Elim Baptist Church of Orrum at 645 N Creek Rd, Orrum, NC 28369. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Elim Baptist Church of Orrum. Burial will follow at Mt. Elim Baptist Church Cemetery.