Marlin Erick Blackwell, Sr. departed this life on Sunday afternoon, March 5, 2023.
As a native and resident of Rockingham County, North Carolina for the majority of his life, he attended the local public schools and was a graduate of Ruffin High School, Class of 1977. Marlin was a veteran of the United States Army and was a retiree of Hanes Brands. Spiritually, he was a faithful member of Gwynn’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where he served with the Board of Trustees, Male Chorus and Board of Ushers. Early in life, he accepted Christ as his Saviour and united with the Rocky Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. During his leisure, he enjoyed sitting in his favorite chair following his favorite sports teams, the Washington Redskins and the New York Knicks. For a span of time, he operated his own lawn care service.
His father, James Edward Blackwell; siblings, Wanda, Gary, Charles, Willie, Michael, Gerald, Donnie, Mary and Thomas Blackwell; mother-in-law, Florence Watkins Howard, preceded him in death.
Survivors are: beloved wife of 39 years, Patricia Howard Blackwell; daughters, LaTosha Howard Jones (Walter), Ashley Renee Blackwell (Dominic) and Tonya Blackwell; son, Marlin Erick Blackwell, Jr.; beloved mother, Queen Blackwell; sister, Gail Blackwell; brothers, Kevin Blackwell and Daryl Blackwell; aunt, Ollie Thomas; grandchildren, DeNisha Slade, Jaheim Jones and August Armstead; sisters and brothers-in-law, Pearl Wilkerson (Howard), Min. Joann Howard, Janet Hairston, David Howard (Jane) and Danny Howard (Cynthia); other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2023 from the Gwynn’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 242 Gwynn’s Chapel Road, Pelham with Rev. Jerald Brown, presiding and Dr. John B. Doe, eulogist.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:30 until 3:00 p.m. at the church.
In every effort to protect our client families, protective facial coverings and social distancing are mandatory requirements.
Johnson & Sons Funeral Service
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