Ronald W. Blackwell

1942-2017

Ronald Wade Blackwell, 74, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 9, 2017. Born November 22, 1942 in Logan County, Kentucky, he was, for 54 years, the husband of the love of his life, Dorcas Irene Woodall Blackwell. 

Ronnie was the father of Shonna (Paul) Rice, Ronnie (Tamra) Blackwell Jr., and Tommy Blackwell. Additional survivors include nine grandchildren, Noah Blackwell, Joshua Blackwell, Malia Blackwell, Jennifer Hazlett, Amanda Reichle, Ashley Morrow, Chad Blackwell, Christian Blackwell, Cobey Blackwell; nine great-grandchildren, Dallas Preston, Elias Hazlett, Sadie Hazlett, Nora Hazlett, Cruz Blackwell, Cash Blackwell, Aliyah Wray, Alyssa Wray and Amy Reichle; and several cousins.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Tuck, and a brother Donald “Pete” Peters. Ronnie was a retired conductor for Norfolk-Southern Railway Co. He was an ordained Deacon and faithful member of many years at Immanuel Baptist Church who enjoyed serving God. He led nine mission trips to Haiti, was a long-time Sunday School teacher and worked in the food pantry.

Ronnie witnessed to all he came in contact with and he will be remembered especially for his God given gift of singing for the Lord. Ronnie was the example of a wonderful husband and father and friend. The love of family and his God were #1 in his life. For years, Ronnie’s last words to everyone were always “Can I ask you a personal question? Are you a Christian?”

The funeral will be 1 p.m., Thursday, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1280 Faulkner Lane, Danville. Rev. Ernest Martin, Rev. Andy Mikels, Brother Jimmy Hazlett and Brother Morris Trayner will officiate. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at Immanuel Baptist Church, Danville, Ky. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in Bellevue Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Blackwell Jr., Tommy Blackwell, Paul Rice, Noah Blackwell, Josh Blackwell, Dallas Preston, Christian Blackwell, Cobey Blackwell and Chad Blackwell. Honorary pallbearers will be the Bible Alive Sunday School Class.

Gifts in memory of Ronnie can be made to Immanuel Baptist Missions in care of Immanuel Baptist Church, 1280 Faulkner Lane, Danville, KY 40422 or The Gideon’s International. The online guestbook is available at www.stithfuneralhome.net