Roll Call Tribute

John Homer "Johnny" Blackstone, Jr. 

May 1, 1948 - November 18, 2025 

Dr. John H. Blackstone, Jr. passed away November 18, 2025. He was born in Montgomery, AL to John Homer and Grace Waid Blackstone on May 1, 1948.

After graduating from Auburn High School, John served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970. He graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Economics and a Masters in Statistics. He received a PhD in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University. After completing his PhD, John returned to Auburn where he was a professor of Operational Management from 1979-1983. In 1983 he moved to the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia, where he taught until his retirement in 2016.

While at Auburn, he met Melissa Whorton Swift, and the two were married on December 19, 1970. In addition to spending time with his children and grandchildren, John enjoyed all Auburn sports (especially football), cheering for the Braves, playing Bridge, reading thrillers and mysteries, watching movies and listening 1960's music.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Susanna Blackstone Arnold. He is survived by his wife Melissa; his children: Waid Blackstone (Tama), Emily Grace Blackstone, and Mary Busbee (Matthew); his sister Mary White (Thomas); eight grandchildren and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.