Thomas Blackwell

Thomas J. Blackwell, 84, of Danville, VA, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2013 at Duke Home Care and Hospice in Durham, NC after a 18 month battle with skin cancer. He was the son of Tony and Emily Shumate Blackwell. He was a veteran of the Korean war as a First Sergeant in the army. Tom started his career in the automobile industry as a mechanic in his fathers repair shop. This small business eventually grew into three dealerships. Now Blackwell Chrysler Jeep Dodge Kia remains as his legacy. In 2004, he was awarded for his 50 years of service as a Chrysler dealer. As a native of a Danville, Tom became a distinguished businessman as the owner of Blackwell Automotive. Not only a devoted husband and father, Tom was a devout Christian who loved the Lord and dedicated much of his time to the Gideons and his church. He was currently a member of West Main Baptist church where he served as a deacon. His involvement in the Danville community included, the Board of The Danville Housing Authority, Board of the Salvation Army, Board of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, Local Board of Bank of America, and the Board of the Dodge Dealer Advertising Association for over 20 years. He was a former member of Rivermont Baptist Church, where he was Chair of the deacons, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Director and Trustee. He served as a Gideon for over 35 years. He delivered the Gideon message to various churches throughout Virginia and North Carolina. He was also a member of the Kiwanis Club and American Legion Post 325. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Bette Ricketts Blackwell. Son, John and wife Kelly, daughter Lynn Blackwell and companion Michelle Burke, son Torrey and wife Shelley. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Lance, Key, Noah and Lucy Blackwell. As well as a sister, Rebecca McFarling of Tennessee. He was predeceased by his sister Inez Payne of Florida. Funeral Services will be held at West Main Baptist Church at 2:00PM on Thursday September 26, 2013. Burial will be in Highland Burial Park with Full Military Honors presented by American Legion Dan River Post 1097. The family will receive friends at the residence, 159 Waterford Ct. daily until 8:00 pm. The family requests that any donations in his memory be made to The Danville Cancer Association or to The Gideons International. Hugs from Tom Tom! Love Wins!