On Thursday August 18, 2022 Charles Thomas Blackerby slipped away after a devastating brain stem stroke suffered on June 6, 2022. He was 74. Born to Ella Elvie Blackerby and Clarence Henry Blackerby on November 21, 1947 in Houston, Texas.

Thomas was a middle child. He is preceded in death by his sister Mary Evelyn Bolton. Left to cherish his memory are sisters Neva Jo, Elvie Jean, and Barbara Ann; brothers Clarence Edward, Billy Ray, and Curtis Lee, daughter Tammie Renee Beeson and son Richard Blackerby, granddaughter Tiffany Dawn, grandsons Collin Richard and Connor Robert, great granddaughters Veronica Neveah, Monica Danielle and Charley Shay, great grandsons Chason Cade and Skyler (Bug) Cage, great great grandson Ares Xavier, and partners Carolyn Kellum and Martha Starkey, between whom he spent the greater part of his life.

Thomas considered himself a county boy but he was city street smart. He was a man of great appetites and who lived by the code: Live big or Go Home. Thomas loved women and they loved him. He liked to go fishing, loved to eat, and watch Westerns and War movies. He worked laying flooring but later applied himself to become self-employed and did what he liked to do and was good at it. He was always the happiest when he was free and in charge.

Thomas was loved by so many because he was so charismatic and charming, sometimes wanting to socialize and meet new people; at other times content to stay quiet and idle his motor. Above all he was a private man with a wild free spirit.

Thomas married Martha Newton in 1966, not long before he was drafted into the United States Army. Together they had a daughter Tammie Renee. They separated after several years, divorcing in 1973, but remained  lifelong friends. He married again in 1976 to Sharon Lassiter and had son Richard. After a few years that marriage ended in divorce as well.

Thomas was a proud veteran, serving in the Vietnam war, where he earned the rank of E5.

His life was spent in Texas, mostly Houston and surrounding areas.

He was recognized for his leadership skills and excellent marksmanship. Guns remained a passion of his. Unfortunately, he was known for his boisterous sense of humor and love of pranking people, which led to his rank in the Army bouncing back and forth between private and E5. In the end, he came home a private, but he was so popular among the men of his company that he was toasted and cheered  and had men standing in line to shake his hand when he was discharged to come home.

Thomas spent the rest of his life like the free bird that he was. He was single, but not alone. Strong, tough, courageous but cautious, he was naturally convivial, but mysteriously private. He had magnetism and a twinkle in his eyes that was irresistible to so many. He knew everyone and was always ready to help a friend. He was tender hearted and sensitive, he was a joy to be around as well. He left behind 2 women who loved and accompanied him for many years, many friends and relatives who will miss him greatly but will never forget his wild free spirit.

FLY HIGH FREE BIRD