John Love “J.L.” Blackwell, 81, Elizabethton, passed away at Hillview Health Care on Thursday, July 21, 2016. He was a native of Carter County and a son of the late Henry and Destie Johnson Blackwell. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Blackwell; sisters, Goldie Blackwell Pierce, Virginia Potter and Opie Osborne; and brothers, Coeburn Blackwell, Claude Blackwell, Elmer Blackwell and C.J. Blackwell.
John worked as a millwright. His hobby was working on yard equipment. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Big Springs Church of Christ.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Thelma Murray Blackwell; three children, Dale Martin and wife Kim, Kingsport, Ed Blackwell and wife Becky, Johnson City, and Ted Blackwell, of the home; two grandchildren, Summer Morton and Brandi Blackwell; one great-grandchild, Kellsie Hicks; two sisters, Ruby Blackwell Canaway, Elizabethton, and Edith Blackwell Duckworth, Oak Ridge; and several nieces and nephews.
The service for Mr. Blackwell will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with Mr. Glen Layfield officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m., prior to the service. Music will be by the Johnson Family. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews. The family would like to give a special “Thank You” to Judy Little for her loving care and for always being there for the family, and to the doctors and staff of the Virginia Hospital. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Big Springs Church of Christ. There will be a private family interment at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel serving the Blackwell family.