Ronald E. Blackwell

Ronald E. Blackwell, (69) Sgt. 1st Class, U.S. Amy, Retired, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at Greystone Health Care Center. He was born March 28, 1945, in Elizabethton to the late Roy J. and Pearl Blackwell. Ron is survived by his son, Bradley Blackwell and his wife, Meagan, of Banner Elk, NC. He is also survived by three brothers: Roy S. Blackwell and his wife, Ruth, of Herndon, VA; Robert Blackwell, Fruitland Park, FL; Terry Blackwell and his wife, Cindy, Clayton, NC; one sister, Jackie Robinson and her husband, Bob, Bristol, TN. Other survivors are eight nephews, seven great-nephews, six great-nieces, one great-great nephew, one Aunt, Mrs. Cleo Blackwell, Seymour, TN, and five cousins. He will also be missed by several friends and neighbors. Ron was born and raised in Elizabethton and, following his retirement from active duty in 1983, he returned to his home town. During his 21-year Army career, Ron served several tours in Europe and Central America as well as two tours in Hawaii, where he pursued his passion for sky-diving. After retirement Ron began a successful court reporting career. Ron was a member of First Christian Church, Elizabethton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Friendly Fund, First Christian Church, 513 Hattie Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. The family will receive friends at Hathaway-Percy Funeral Home on Sunday, June 29, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. The military graveside service will be Monday, June 30, at Mountain Home National Cemetery Mountain Home, TN, at 10:45 a.m. Bob Robinson, minister will conduct the service, along with military honors by the Carter County Honor Guard. Everyone will meet at the funeral home at 9:45 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. The family gives special thanks to the staff of Greystone Health Care Center for their loving care of Ron.Read Obituary