Obituary – Leroy Blackwell, Sr

Published 9:38 am Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Leroy Blackwell, Sr, 81, a resident of Petrey passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, Dec. 27, while surrounded by his family. A celebration of his life has not been scheduled at this time. 

Leroy was a talented and accomplished athlete for much of his life, but especially in his youth. While in high school he played several different sports. He also won a few dance competitions in his time and enjoyed roping in the rodeo. His talent did not end with sports however as he was also very accomplished in his professional career as well. Leroy was a trained iron worker who traveled all over the country on construction jobs and eventually worked his way up to foreman and then to superintendent. Not only was he talented at his chosen occupation, but he was blessed to also enjoy what he did. However, that didn’t stop him from thoroughly loving his retirement to the fullest. 

In his free time, Leroy preferred any activity that kept him outside, whether it was hunting, fishing, playing golf with his buddies or riding his motorcycle. At home, he and his beloved wife enjoyed their quiet moments together either keeping up with the news and watching their favorite Westerns. He was also a huge football fan and spent many an hour either cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide or any NFL team he preferred on that day. Most importantly, Leroy was a beloved family member and friend. He was a bit of a born entertainer with all of his tall tales and great sense of humor. He was extremely strong-willed, but no one could soften him up like the 3 generations of grandchildren who called him “Paw Paw.” He meant the world to the people who knew and loved him throughout his life, and he will be missed more than words could possibly express.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Henry and Willie Mae Odom Blackwell and his sister, Betty Jean Brazzell. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 63 years, Lucy Colquitt Blackwell; their children Leroy (Terry) Blackwell, Jr, Tina Marie Ferguson and Timbo (Pam) Blackwell; grandchildren, Samantha (Rebel) Smith, Trey (Tristan) Blackwell, Corey Blackwell, Audrey Nelson, Teddy Smith, Robert (Jennifer) Blackwell Jr and Heather Blackwell; twenty great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Arthur Ray Blackwell and Kathleen Kelley and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.