Huel Ray Blackston of Parrish, AL went to his eternal home on Saturday, June 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born on August 30, 1943, to Bud and Lois Handley Blackston and was later adopted by James and Vera Gant.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley Busby Blackston; brother, Lynnse Blackston; three children, Kathy Gurganus (Wayne), Kenny Blackston (Stephanie), and Russell Blackston (Stephanie); and seven grandchildren, Laci, Sawyer, Caleb, Garrett, Dillon, Dalton, and Andrew.

Huel began working at age 9 standing behind the plow, and he was a dedicated worker over his lifetime until he retired from the coal mines at age 72. He was a deacon and caretaker of Goodsprings Missionary Baptist Church for over 20 years.

He was an accomplished deer and turkey hunter, and he especially loved a good deer run with blue tick hounds. He was a member of multiple hunting clubs, including Salt Lick, Good Ole Boys, and Beat 10 Hunting Club. His favorite place was outdoors.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 24th at Goodsprings Missionary Baptist Church and led by Charles Harbison. The family will receive visitors at 11:00 am followed by a memorial service at 12:00 pm. Upon closure, family and friends will follow in procession to Odom Memorial Cemetery for a graveside service.