The Honorable Thomas M. (T. Mack) Blackburn, age 91, of Athens, died June 26, 2011.  Judge Blackburn attended the Knoxville City Schools and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1938. He attended Syracuse University and the Chicago Musical College where he studied the Violin. During World War II, Blackburn was a dive bomber pilot in the Marine Corps and served two tours of duty overseas. He received several medals of valor including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. He achieved the rank of Major. Judge Blackburn graduated from the University of Tennessee, College of Law. He served as an Asst. District Attorney, as the City Law Director, and was elected to the Knox Co. Chancery Court. In 1964 the Supreme Court of Tennessee appointed him the court's Executive Secretary to administer the court system of Tennessee. He was designated a Special Judge and served in each of the three Divisions of Court of Appeals. Following his judicial retirement, he was elected Mayor of Brentwood.  Judge Blackburn is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mabeth Kellow Blackburn; one daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Hal Buttram; one son and daughter-in law, Clifford and Nancy Blackburn, all of Athens.