Former Cumming City Administrator Gerald Blackburn Has Died

CUMMING, GA — A longtime city administrator who dedicated nearly half a century to public service in Cumming has died. Gerald Blackburn passed peacefully at his home Sunday surrounded by family, according to his obituary.

"He will be greatly missed. Please join us in keeping his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the City of Cumming posted to Facebook.

According to the city, Blackburn dedicated 45 years of his life in service to the City of Cumming. In 1972, he was hired as the city’s first director of recreation and parks. He remained in this role until 1986, when he was named city administrator, the position he held for the next 31 years until his retirement in Dec. 2017.

Blackburn also was an ordained Baptist minister who led several churches in Forsyth County over the years, including Mayfield, Shady Grove, Crossroads and Harmony Grove.

A native and lifelong resident of Forsyth County, he and Sue, his wife of 63 years, were high school sweethearts and were among the first graduates of Forsyth Central High School.

"Gerald was a truly genuine and humble leader who was dedicated to service of the Cumming and Forsyth County community," the city said.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home in Cumming with Rev. Michael Millwood, Rev. Shad Faulkner, and Deacon Sammy Redd officiating, his obituary reads.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday between the hours of 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the hour of service.