Dr. A. Edward Blackhurst

Dr. A. Edward Blackhurst passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 23, 2025 at the age of 87. He was born to Joseph Wilson Blackhurst and Elizabeth Anderson Blackhurst from Sewickley, Pennsylvania. He completed his military obligation by serving 4 years in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and 4 years in the Air Force Reserves.

He earned a B. S. degree in Psychology from Penn State, and M. Ed. and Ph. D. degrees in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the faculty of the University of Kentucky (UK) in 1965. During his career, he authored many books and articles in professional journals. He was voted one of 10 people who had made the most contributions to professional organizations related to technology in Special Education. He retired from UK in 1999.

In 2000, Ed and his beloved wife of 63 years, Anita (AKA Neats) moved to Pawleys Island, SC. In addition to Neats, he is survived by daughter Ann Hamilton (Todd), brother Eric (Suzy) of Estes Park, Colorado, and niece Lindsey Blackhurst (Esha) of New York.

When he retired, Ed and Neats established an endowment at UK to aid students with their graduate degree programs. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the University of Kentucky, Office of Development, William B. Sturgill Development Building #0015, 450 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40506 and directed to the “Blackhurst Student Research Fund”.

Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

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