Jamie Dell "Blue" Black

Mr. Blue Black, age 88, joined his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, ascending to heaven with his 101st Airborne Division wings, from St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, GA. His home was in the oak "hollers" of Ruckersville, GA, his favorite place on earth.

Born Jamie Dell Black in Elberton, GA on June 25, 1936, he was nicknamed “Blue” at a young age. One of twelve children, he is preceded in death by his parents, Willie Floyd Black, Sr. and Annie Lou Mattox Black; and siblings: Willie Floyd Black, Jr., Melvin Lee Black, Charles Bailey Black, Wilma Louise Thomas, Peggy Joyce Black, and a stillborn sibling; and his son, Terry Black. Surviving siblings are Stewart Wayne Black of Jackson, GA, Barbara Jean Winn of Elberton, GA, Allen Mattox Black of Elberton, GA, Mary Anne Worley of Elberton, GA, and Robert Dwight Black of Elberton, GA.

Additionally, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ann Driver Black of Elberton, GA; children: Barry Black of Elberton, GA, Sheila (Todd) Bryant of Bowman, GA, Douglas Black of Elberton, GA, and Leslie White of Gainesville, GA; daughter-in-law, Melissa Black of Hartwell, GA; grandchildren: Terry Middleton, Ashley Linder, Christopher Black, Nicholas Black, Casey Black, Morgan Black, Jasey White, Madison York, and Mattie White; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A lifelong resident of Elbert County, GA, Blue served his country faithfully in the United States Army. He served during the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division, something of which he was very proud. He was a member of Historic Ruckersville Church, formerly Ruckersville Methodist Church. His career was spent in Elbert County's world renown granite industry where Blue was "second to none" as a quarryman, who when others could not, always found the highest quality granite saw blocks that became some of the finest stone memorials that left Elberton to serve world-wide, as everlasting tributes in buildings, public displays, and for those in a final state of rest. Blue was the "No Fear" poster boy, known for climbing along a crane boom hanging over a 200-foot-deep quarry bare-footed, bare-chested and wearing only jeans to replace a broken steel cable.

Blue grew up as a dyed in the wool, country boy. He epitomized Hank William's song "A Country Boy Can Survive". Blue was the unvarnished, real deal. He was an avid outdoorsman who was passionate about pursuing wild game animals the Lord blessed this earth with. As the sun set, and the stars came out, Blue's survivalist skills were put on full display, as his highly trained Blue Tick hounds were unleashed to pursue the masked bandit that prowled the oak hollers, the raccoon. Blue was hands down the “best coon hunter” in the southeast, and since "coons" are not really present in the rest of the U.S., he has the distinct honor of being #1 in this country. Many Elbert Countians, young and old, have fond memories of Blue while coon-hunting with him, trekking for miles thru pitch-black woods in the wee hours of the morning to find a treed coon. Blue had internal GPS that never failed, years before GPS was developed. His self-taught survivalist and hunting skills would be the envy of any one of the top contestants who ever took part in the reality shows '"Survivor" and "Alone".

His coon hunting expertise was only overshadowed by his legendary marksman skills which left no deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, dove, or quail with any chance whatsoever to escape the supper table. Amongst his six other highly competitive hunting brothers and despite very close competition, Blue was, without question, the top sharpshooter. Blue could throw up a penny and hit it a split second later with a .22 caliber bullet. While he has departed from a short adventure on earth, his legacy will remain with those who knew and heard about him. His earthly spirit will roam and live forever in the oak hollers and fields he made his real home, in constant pursuit of wildlife. 

The family is at the home of Mary Anne Worley, 829 Cardinal Drive, Elberton, and will receive friends on Friday, October 25, from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Funeral services celebrating Blue’s life will be conducted on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00a.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home. Rev. Thomas Moon and Rev. Tim Adams will officiate, and military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army. Interment will be in the cemetery at Historic Ruckersville Church. 

Flowers are accepted. If desired, contributions may be made in his memory to the Outdoor Dream Foundation, PO Box 802, Anderson, SC 29622. ODF is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide chronic and terminally ill children an opportunity to experience the outdoors.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. "Blue" Black.