Douglas Anthony Blackman, the founder of Cary, N.C.-based Atlantic Tire & Service, recently died at the age of 69.
Blackman, who grew up in Sanford, N.C., attended North Carolina State University and then spent 10 years working in various tire stores before founding Atlantic Avenue Tire & Service in 1989, along with a partner.
Ten years later, Blackman went out on his own and established Atlantic Tire & Service.
The dealership eventually grew to encompass five locations throughout the Research Triangle area of North Carolina.
Blackman also served on the Tire Industry Association's (TIA) board of directors from 2013 through 2019 and received the association's Ed Wagner Leadership Award in 2017.
"Known as a gentleman, Blackman thought of his employees as family and wanted them to succeed in business and life," sat TIA officials.
"He was generous and supported many local charities and organizations, including The Salvation Army, Children’s Home Society, The Carying Place, The Miracle League, The MacGregor Rotary Club, The Atlantic Tire Tennis Championship, The Cary Chamber of Commerce and numerous charitable golf tournaments."
Blackman is survived by his wife, Beth; son Cameron Anthony Blackman (Elizabeth); brother Mike Blackman (Joy); sisters Susan Blackman Mathews (Tim) and Cindy Blackman Biggers (Howard); two grandchildren, Hudson Paul Blackman and Harper Thomas Blackman; father and mother in-law Tom and Lindy Hutchison; brother and sister in-law Tom and Tami Hutchison; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at White Memorial Presbyterian Church; 1704 Oberlin Rd.; Raleigh, N.C. at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21. A visitation/reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army of Wake County; 1863 Capital Boulevard; Raleigh, N.C. 27604.
