Charles Rice "Charlie" Blackwell

Charles Rice “Charlie” Blackwell, age 85, a longtime resident of Somerville, Tennessee departed this life Monday afternoon, August 12, 2024.

He was born on April 19, 1939 in Brownsville, Tennessee to the late Wilson Rice Blackwell and Minnie Waye Epperson Blackwell. Charlie was married to Ruth Magdeline "Maggie" Williams Blackwell on February 6, 1960. He was a loving husband, devoted father to his four daughters, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather. After 30 years of service at Roadway Express, he retired and enjoyed time with his family and friends.

Charlie leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Maggie and four daughters: Lisa Douglass (Randy), Maria Hopper (Scott), Tracy Van Hooser (Jack), and Allison Elrod (Mike). He also leaves behind his eight grandchildren: Abby Odom (Will), Julie Anne Holt (David), Cooper Lindsey (Cassie), Elizabeth White (Bret), Trenton Elrod (Michelle), Austin Elrod (Meaghan), Anna Czech (Brett), and Will Hopper. Charlie was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy: Maggie Odom, Crawford Holt, Graham Holt, Adeline Holt, Grey Lindsey, Georgia Kate Elrod and Preston Elrod. 

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Rice Blackwell and Minnie Waye Epperson Blackwell; his siblings, Marjorie Morris, Buddy Blackwell, Jack Blackwell, Joe Blackwell, Fay Humphries and Robert Blackwell; and his grandson, Alex Laverne Douglass. 

Funeral Services for Mr. Blackwell were held at 11 A.M. Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Bro. Bill Kisner officiating. Interment followed in Somerville City Cemetery. 

Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Randy Douglass, Scott Hopper, Jack Van Hooser, Mike Elrod, Cooper Lindsey, Trenton Elrod, Austin Elrod and Will Hopper.

The family requests that memorials be directed to First Baptist Church of Somerville, 12685 S. Main Street, Somerville, TN 38068.