George Larry Blackwell

George Larry Blackwell, born on March 22, 1951, peacefully passed away on December 28, 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy of service, dedication, and love. Proudly serving in the United States Army from February 1973 to December 1979, he developed a deep sense of duty and commitment to his country. After his military service, George returned home to North Carolina, where he devoted himself to family and made significant contributions to the textile industry. 

Later in life, he moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he became a cherished Facility Assistant Manager for Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation at Joint Base Lewis-McChord . His unwavering dedication to improving the lives of soldiers, veterans, and military spouses earned him numerous awards and accolades, reflecting his compassionate nature and tireless efforts. He later retired with 20 years of government service. 

George was preceded in death by his parents, Mattie Sue Hooper Blackwell and Oscar Roy Blackwell, as well as his siblings: Leroy Blackwell, Joe Lewis Blackwell Sr., Howard Dennis Blackwell, Patricia Henderson, Levon Ulvano, Bruce Anthony Blackwell, Alfonso Mills and Gloria Jean Johnson. 

His legacy continues through his surviving family. A devoted father, George is survived by his beloved children: daughter, Traci Blackwell; son, Geoff Blackwell and his wife, Zara; daughter, Lauren McKiver and her husband Mark; Jovan Blackwell and step-son, Dishan Hairston and his wife, Ebony: his loving grandchildren, Khalil, Aiyanna, Micah, Kaiyin, Xana, Oscar, Gavin, and Kameron; sisters and brothers, Doris Blackwell-Brown, Brenda Richards, Mary Henderson (Butch), Sandra Blackwell,  Kenneth Blackwell (Rhonda), John Gary Blackwell, Edward Blackwell (Rosemary), Michael "Ricky" Blackwell (Jeanette), Daryl Willis, Douglas Willis and Leon Mills; uncles and aunts, Thomas Hooper, Sr. (Barbara), Mildred Benton, Marie Slade (Theron) and Lorenzo Hooper; other relatives and friends.

He took immense pride in family and cherished every moment spent with them. George also shared a lifelong friendship with his best friend, Marvin Thomas, whose companionship brought joy and support throughout the years. We would also like to thank his dear friend David Mills, affectionately known as “Punkin,” for always looking out for him in such a positive way. 

His warmth, kindness, and sense of humor touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those he inspired and loved.

A service celebrating the life of Mr. Blackwell will be given at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Cornerstone Christian Center, 516 N. Scales Street, Reidsville, NC 27320. Burial will follow at Rocky Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Reidsville, NC. The family visitation will be Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the church.

Public viewing and receipt of floral arrangements will be Monday, January 6, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Christian Center, Reidsville.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Larry Blackwell, please visit our floral store.