Ashley Alton Blackburn

Ashley Alton Blackburn, son of John and Faye Blackburn of Maryville, Tennessee passed away May 16, 2021 at his home in Pikeville, Tennessee. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his much loved pets; Mielikki “Mikki Blue Eyes” Sinatra, his service dog, Australian Shepards Fozzie Bear and Gonzo, his most loyal cat Bastet, plus felines Nivea and Isis. He was a 1995 graduate from Cleveland High School and a 2001 Magna Cum Laude graduate from the University of Tennessee Knoxville. His degrees were in English and Medieval Studies. Ash taught English at Oliver Springs High in Roane County, Bradley Central High in Bradley County, and William Blount High in Blount County. Wherever Ash taught he always volunteered to help with the band program. This tuba playing “bandie” loved music. He played in the East Tennessee Community Band and when they played at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Ash took instruments that might be damaged in shipping in the back of his Chevy Suburban to New York City. Ash was a creative and imaginative person who wrote poetry, short stories, and two books. He was a gamer who spent hours creating characters and scenarios to game. His current favorite game was Space Engineers. Ash loved the outdoors whether he was rafting down the Colorado in the Grand Canyon, climbing to the top of Yosemite Falls, or just mountain camping. His house in Pikeville is located on a mountain hillside surrounded by rocks and trees, his “perfect sanctuary”. Ash’s character is defined by the beaded bracelet he was wearing at passing: Seven black beads for the seven deadly sins and seven white beads for the seven virtues, that he would say were his goals as a person. Please remember Ash by adopting a pet or giving to an animal shelter in your community. We appreciate the condolences we have received from family and friends. There will be no funeral services. SPRING HILL MEMORIAL PARK, FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES.