TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Blackshear was recognized as one of the Ten Best Dressed Men in Florida (1978), Delta Psi Chapter Man of the Year (1963), and recipient of St. Johns-Putnam-Flagler County Chapter Charmettes, Inc. “I Can Cope Award” (2019). Blackshear made a point to take ad- vantage of every opportunity available to him from his foundation growing up on Logan Street in Jacksonville, FL to playing football on the local, college and profes- sional level always doing his best to excel. He could light up a room with his style, big smile, and did his best to cheer every- one up with his jokes, dancing and other antics. He took pride in boasting about his church, hometown, fraternity and friends yet his biggest source of pride was his wife, children and grandchildren. Brother Blackshear is survived by his lov- ing wife of 53 years, Doris Harris Black- shear; daughters, Yolanda "Kim" Blacks- hear, Demetrius "Ann" Lane and Yvette (Glenn) Rhodes Reeves; son, William (Loretta) Blackshear; grandchildren, Sasha Blackshear, Tomeka Williams, Shayla and Brittani Reeves, along with a host of other loving relatives and friends. Melvin L. Bridges 1938-2020 Automotive Manager, U.S. Army Melvin L. Bridges (Beta Xi home in Ottawa Hills, OH at the age of 81. Born on February 7, 1938, in Toledo, OH, Melvin Lee Bridges was the only child of Dolly (née Whitney) Powell and Booker Bridges. He graduated from Waite High School in Toledo and after graduation went to work for the Berman Wine Company. Bridges earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toledo. In 1961, Bridges was drafted to serve in the United States Army and was stationed in Kentucky and Georgia. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Bridges started work in 1962 1957) entered the Chapter Invisible on Saturday, Janu- ary 4, 2020 at his
Herbert E. Blackshear 1939–2019 Educator, U.S. Army
as an hourly employee in the stamping division at Willys Motors Inc., later the Kaiser Jeep Corporation. He quickly advanced and was the first African American Supervisor at Jeep. Bridges was promoted to Superintendent of the Stamping Division and later became Executive Manager of the Stamping Division in 1991. As Executive Manager, Bridges was responsible for approximate- ly 500 employees, including press opera- tors and support, maintenance, and die shop personnel over three shifts. The Stamping Division provided automotive parts for production of all vehicles made at the Jeep assembly facility and for vehicles manufactured at other assembly plants. While Executive Manager of the Stamping Division, Bridges made it a point to know all of his employees by name, walking the floor regularly and greeting everyone with a handshake. Bridges retired in 2001 from Jeep, then owned by Daimler Chrysler. Follow- ing his retirement, he remained active by serving as a board member of the Jeep Country Federal Credit Union and as president of the Jeep Manage- ment Retiree Club where he served for more than 10 years, keeping members informed about their retirement benefits and changes in the corporation. He was a member of the Toledo (OH) Alumni where he served the chapter as a member of the Board of Directors, and Strategus. He was also a member of the Amazon Lodge No. 4, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, and the Maumee River Yacht Club. Brother Melvin L. Bridges was an extremely generous husband, father, and friend and his family will miss him every day. He was predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Mary J. Bridges, his son, Jonathan L. (Angelita) Bridges (Zeta Nu 1992), and grandchildren Donavan L. and Olivia.
Herbert E. Blacks- hear, affectionately known as ‘Shine’, was born to the late Gladys Blackshear on August 24, 1939 in Jacksonville, FL. He transitioned to Chapter Invisible
on May 3, 2019 at the age of 79. He was a 1959 graduate of New Stanton High School, where he excelled in sports having been recognized for his achievements in basketball, football and track & field. He was named New Stanton High School “Best Athlete” in 1959 and 1957-1959 Class “Most Popular”. Brother Blackshear attended Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, FL for two years prior to serving his country in the United States Army and then matriculated to Bethune Cookman University in Dayto- na Beach, FL earning a bachelor’s degree and subsequently earned a master’s degree from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, FL. Brother Blackshear participated in camp with the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers in 1964 after a stellar football career in the United States Army and Bethune Cookman University and played a couple of years of semi-professional football. His profes- sional career consisted of instructor and basketball coach in Bunnell, FL; Veterans Affairs Counselor at Bethune Cookman University; and Student Affairs Counselor at FAMU. He was an entrepreneur as a salesman, having formed a modeling troupe, managed singing groups, devel- oped his own clothing line, and worked on the Inauguration Celebration Committee for U. S. President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Blackshear was initiated as a Charter Member of the Edward Waters College Chapter, the Delta Psi of Kappa Alpha Psi ® on December 12, 1960. He was also a Life Member and 50-Year Member. He served as a dutiful member of Open Arms Christian Fellowship Church in Jackson- ville, FL.
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