Clint Cunningham Blackman, Jr.

life story

My Awesome Dad- Entrepreneur Extraordinaire!

CORPUS CHRISTI — Clint Cunningham Blackman, Jr., died peacefully Saturday, February 24, 2018, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Shirley Hughes Blackman, two sons, Clint III (Judy), and Christopher (Diana), granddaughters Candace Hines (Clinton) and Jen Lavelle (Kevin), as well as three great-grandsons, whom he adored, Brock and Cory Hines and Jack Lavelle. In addition, he leaves behind many cherished members of his extended family as well as dear friends.

Clint was born July 2, 1931, in Austin, Texas. He was a proud graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he earned his BA in Business and met his future wife, who was also a student at Baylor. After a tour of duty in the Air Force, Clint moved his family to Longview, Texas, and started making his mark. He pioneered self-service gas stations in East Texas and created the Thrifty Man chain of convenience stores, among other business developments and interests. He learned to fly so that he could expand his chain of gas stations to his beloved Texas Gulf Coast. He was invited to speak to business students at the University of Texas in Austin about his extensive career as an entrepreneur.

In 2004, Clint and Shirley moved to Rockport, Texas, and opened Austin Street Gallery, which they operated for 10 years. Clint had a lifelong love of “big water,” sailing, power boats, and fishing. He loved to sit on the back porch at their home in Rockport and look out at the water.

A memorial service will take place at on Monday, March 5, 2018, at 1pm, at St. Peter by the Sea Episcopal Church, 555 Enterprise, Rockport, Texas. A reception at the church celebrating Clint’s life will follow directly after the service. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Clint’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association of America.