Blackie Skinner was laid to rest at Hills of Calvary Cemetery on December 14, 2023.
I met Blackie around 2014 on the streets of East Nashville. Despite his name, he was a white guy with Carhartt overalls, a squirrelly brown-gray beard, and kind eyes. When I asked him where he stayed, he was hesitant to tell me, but after we built some trust, he showed me his camp. It was one of the most well hidden campsite I’d ever seen. It was completely off the grid, nestled in an industrial area. No other providers had seen it. Blackie was self-sufficient, but accepted some propane and supplies that I had, partly because his little shack was being used to take care of a friend who was down on hard times.
He never went into shelters and was a survivalist and scavenger, but he also had a softness to him that most people in that situation don’t. He was generous, funny, and a caregiver who loved to laugh. We stayed in touch for years, but lost contact after the pandemic. I’ll remember him warmly and look forward to seeing him on the other side.
Blackie, may you rest in peace, may you know home, and may you be surrounded by the care that you showed so many others.
-Lindsey Krinks, Open Table Nashville
