For the second time in just over 2 1/2 years, Izard County is mourning the loss of its sheriff. According to the sheriff’s office Facebook, Earnie Blackley died Saturday, nearly seven months after announcing he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
Blackley had been receiving treatment for cancer at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. His diagnosis came nearly five months after he was sworn in as sheriff last year.
Blackley was elected Izard County Sheriff in November 2018. He succeeded Jack Yancey, who was appointed to the position in April 2017 to finish Tate Lawrence’s term. Lawrence also died while in office after a short battle with cancer. Blackley served as the chief deputy under both Lawrence and Yancey.
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