Joseph Blackshear, M. D.

Joseph Randall Blackshear, M.D., age 95 of Hendersonville (formerly of Gallatin) passed away April 12, 2021. He was born October 12, 1925 in Belle Mina, Alabama to the late John Thomas and Eulalia (Harwell) Blackshear.

Along with Joseph’s parents, he is preceded in death by first wife, Charlotte Blackshear; second wife, Mary Frances Blackshear, brother John Blackshear and son-in-law Bill Hurt.

Joseph is survived by wife,  Mary Ellen (Sis) Blackshear; sons, Randall (Lorie) Blackshear and Michael (Debra) Blackshear; daughter, Anne Marie Hurt; stepchildren, Jill McGahan, Betty (Eddie) Mayberry, Robert (Marilee) Pate; Henry (Karla) Pate and David (Joyce) Pate; grandchildren, Megan (David) Stricker and Whitney (Adam) Potts; step grandchildren, Hurley (Branden) Shombert, Ryan (Sarah) McGahan, Blair (Josh) Vaughan, Warren (Haley) Pate, Will (Jamie) Pate, Jordan Pate, Bailey Pate, John Michael Pate, Joseph Pate, David Pate and James (Suzie) Pate; great-grandchildren, Sophie Stricker and Will Stricker; step great-grandchildren, Millie, Harper and Peyton Vaughan, Camden and Maddox Pate.

Dr. Blackshear graduated from Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest College before serving in the Korean War where he served as a  to Captain, and a Medical Officer.  Once a civilian again he took a surgical residency at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville.  He moved his family to Gallatin where he would practice general medicine for over the next twenty years and finish with general surgery until his retirement.

Joe enjoyed life and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved cooking and hosting dinners that evolved into singing, playing the organ or piano and dancing.  His boisterous voice will be missed.  He had a collection of albums from classic music to Broadway musicals.  Enjoying the outdoors he loved landscaping and growing roses. He played golf untill his back no longer permitted him to.

Joe and Sis took their turns hosting bridge games.  He studied the Bible and taught a Sunday school class at their church and was an avid reader.  He loved making homemade ice cream and eating bowl after bowl.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 17th at 12:00pm with Brother Eddie Mayberry officiating from the chapel of Alexander Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Visitation will be held Saturday, April 17th from 10:00am until time of service. Inurnment will be held at Crestview Memory Gardens at a late date.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Hearth at Hendersonville where he resided and Highpoint Hospice.

Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com.  (615) 502-0011 Obit Line (615) 502-0555