Lee Alvin Blackman, 67, of Groves, Texas, passed away surrounded by his family on March 30, 2026.
Born in Port Arthur, Texas on July 15, 1958, Lee was a lifelong resident of Groves, the world’s biggest Dallas Cowboys and PNG Indians fan, and was rarely seen without his Dallas Cowboys attire and trademark smile.
He was a graduate of Port Neches-Groves High School Class of 1976 and part of the state championship football team of 1975. Whether it was on the field, in the stands, or watching from home, his love for the game never faded. He carried that same competitive spirit into everything he did—including fantasy football, where he was known for routinely outplaying everyone in his league.
He went on to attend Lamar University, where he served as drum major for three years until graduating in 1980, and was known for both his leadership and presence.
Like his father, Lee was a 32nd Degree Mason and also a member of the Shriners. He took great pride in the lifelong bonds he formed through the fraternity.
Lee spent more than 30 years in radio as both an on-air personality and in sales, but his first love was always music.
He began playing guitar at age six and was performing professionally on bass by age fifteen. Over a career that spanned more than 50 years, he entertained crowds across Southeast Texas and beyond, including nearly two decades with Zona Jones and the SwingWest Band. He played alongside many great musicians and carried enough stories for more than one lifetime. He often said he started playing classic rock before it was ever called “classic.”
Music wasn’t just something Lee did, but who he was. Whether he was on stage or around family and friends, he had a way of bringing people together and making the moment feel bigger than it was. He had a presence people didn’t forget. If you knew him, you knew his million dollar smile, you knew he was going to make you laugh—usually at a time he probably shouldn’t—you knew there’d be a movie quote ready for any situation, and you knew you were going to leave better than you came.
Even through his illness, Lee never quit. He carried himself with unwavering positivity, strength, and resilience—never complaining and never losing his drive to keep moving forward. He continued to take every opportunity to be a great husband and a proud, cheering Opa to his grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy lives on in the music he played, the stories he told, and the family he loved so fiercely.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee Roy and Viola Blackman and his foster brother, Bob Guin.
He is survived by his loving wife, Stacy Blackman; his daughter, Jessica Reinhardt and husband, Micah; his son, Eric Blackman and wife, Tara; his daughter, Jordan Martinez and husband, Tiger; his stepson, Cameron Hanson and wife, Nikki; his stepdaughter, Nicole Hanson; his grandchildren, Aubrey-Kate, Brynlee, Blake, Emma, Mason, Ren, Jackson, Bodhi, Memphis, Murphy, Jentry, Evie and his godson, Colton Hebert.