Jerry Byron Blackstock was born in 1945 in Monticello, Georgia.  His family lived briefly in Rome, Georgia and then made a permanent home in Dallas, Georgia.  At the age of  ten, Jerry entered Riverside Military Academy graduating seven years later as the recipient of the school’s highest honor: The Medal of Excellence.  He was named the Academy’s first Distinguished Alumnus in 2002.

Jerry graduated from Davidson College in 1966 and from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1969 and began his litigation practice that same year with Powell Goldstein.  He was a nationally and internationally known trial lawyer specializing in Intellectual Property whose outstanding career spanned 37 years.  The last four years of his career were spent with Hunton & Williams as Chairman of the Litigation Department.

Jerry was gregarious, happy and a lot of  fun!  He had twinkling blue eyes, a ready smile, a contagious laugh, and a dry wit!  He was slow to anger and quick to forgive.  He was a man of deep and abiding faith, exceptional moral character, with high values and in whose career ethics and civility were foremost.  Jerry was a man of integrity, of honesty and deep loyalty to his family and friends . He was always courteous, kind and considerate of others and generous in every way.  His leadership skills were beyond measure – a team player whether leading or simply as part of the team.  Jerry was ambitious and focused.  He always knew what he wanted to accomplish and had a plan about how to reach his goals.  As a man who believed in giving back to the places and things which played a role in his life, he was always active at his three alma maters and in every organization to which he belonged.  Professionally, he was involved in the Atlanta and Georgia Bar Associations, American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates – the latter three being both prestigious and with membership being difficult to attain. 

 Jerry was extremely unassuming and was recognized frequently throughout his career, but never failed to be surprised and amazed that this was the case.  Scholarships have been established at Riverside Military Academy, Davidson College, and the University of Georgia School of Law speaking to the respect and devotion in which Jerry was held by family, friends and colleagues.