Jerry Blackwell Obituary

Jerry,

Hard to believe 11 years have passed. Still have your same number? Still in my phone. Will
Call so we can catch up!
Two of your buddies have left this earth also. Jimmy Buffett and Michael Rumph. I have decided thanks to the generosity of Jimmy and the knowledge of Mike we will all be driving Volvos in heaven!

Love you always,

Joan

I just learned today of Jerry's passing - what a terrible loss for all of us who loved him. He was my first boss at MUSC all those years ago. He taught me the ropes, the "world according to Blackwell" and I still smile when I think of those days. What a generous, truly kind spirit - smart, funny, and such a warm heart. It was a great joy to know him.

I will miss my friend and colleague. I cared for him deeply and held him and his achievements in such high regard. He was so humble in his demeanor for being so accomplished. I loved him and will always carry a part of him inside my heart. Dr. Stan Reeley

There is a hole in my heart since I learned of Jerry's death.
He was a true friend during the many years we worked together at MUSC. Even as I type these words, I can hardly believe I will never again see his smiling face or hear his voice. My heart goes out to Mindy, Brett, and Daniel as they cope with such a tremendous loss.
You are all in my prayers.
Rest in peace, dear Jerry. You fought the good fight and now deserve your reward. May God bless and keep you forever.
A friend who will forever miss you,
Wanda Taylor

This is still a heart breaker for me. Dr. Blackwell was one of the best teacher at Strayer University. He was one of the most down to earth man who truly cared about this students and his students cared about him. It was like we were all a family in his class. He was by far the best teacher who prepared his students for the real world. Words really can't express how deeply sadden I am by his lost. Gone but never forgotten.

Sorry to hear about his passing. He was a great professor.
From your students,

I just learned of Dr. Blackwell's passing today and was totally shocked. I took his class last semester and it was the highlight of my week! He was a very kind man and at the end of the semester, he gave the whole class big hugs and wished us luck with our education. Rest in peace Dr. Blackwell and I had the pleasure of being your student. Strayer University- Elizabeth

Mindy, Daniel, and Brett....my heart is so saddened by this news. I was with Mallary this weekend and when she told me, I thought she must not have correct information; sadly, she was correct. We talked about Jerry and the fun times we all shared. He was such a great person, and he always made my kids laugh and smile in the absence of their own dad. I know your hearts are broken. Please know that the Guy family sends our prayers and our love to each of you during this very difficult time.

I have fond memories of Jerry. He was a friend and colleague at MUSC and much more. He was my mentor when I first became a faculty member in the College of Health Professions. He taught me the ropes and guided me through the minefields. He was always there when I need his support. His humor got me through some challenging times at MUSC. His passing is a great loss. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Mindy
Prayers to you and your family and may God keep you in the palm of His hand.
Tony & Alisa Shackelford

I will truly miss you very much. You were the first teacher I had when I started at Strayer University in Greenville. You were a wonderful teacher, advisor, and mentor to many of the students at Strayer University. You will truly be missed.

It was difficult returning to Strayer after learning of Dr. Blackwell's passing. I miss him walking through the hallway always saying hello to former students. Dr. Blackwell was a kind, caring and thoughtful man who I'll never forget. While his days were cut short, his contributions to my life and mankind will live on forever.

I am so sadden by the loss of a very dear friend. Jerry told me often of his love for his children and friends. I often teased Jerry about his hair cuts or his shirt and ties; shortly after I left Strayer he called me to say that it wasn't the same there without me to tease him. All I know to say is Jerry its been a good year for the roses my friend. My God bless his family and friends during their time of sorrow.

No day here at the Greenville Campus will ever be the same without Dr. Blackwell. He was truly FAMILY! We learned so many things from him, but the most important thing of all- just SMILE anyways! He made every situation positive and in the misdt of the hustle and bustle of each day, he was the calm after the storm. You could always count on him to bring the laughter to every morning huddle, staff meeting, or just passing him in the hallways. You could also always count on him to show up to a meeting, make himself comfortable on TOP of the table, cross his legs, and reveal that he was not wearing any "stupid" socks (as he would say). Thank you so much for teaching us to just LIVE and enjoy life! As you would probably say to that......"Life is just better without SOCKS!" We love you ALWAYS!!

Strayer University- Greenville Campus

Dr. Blackwell or Jerry as he often preferred to be called was truly the best professor ever. He always had kind words of encouragement and seemed to to know exactly what to say to give his students that needed boost to succeed. I will greatly miss his smiling face and warm gently hugs. Dr. Blackwell was truly an angel on earth and I'm sure he's resting in the arms of the Lord.

Jerry always had a minute for you. He also had a smile that lit your heart, a wicked sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. No matter what was happening around him or to him, his focus was on you when you were in his presence. No doubt his family are feeling like their heart has been ripped out, but hopefully they know he lives on; in the students he taught, the children he loved and the friends he blessed. He enriched our lives and will be remembered always. Prayers for you all, Brett, Daniel, Mindy, his sister and extended family. Thank you for sharing him with us

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Mr. Blackwell was a great professor and will be forever missed.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you had done for me. I prayer this flame never goes out and I know for certain that you will continue touching people's lives up in heaven.

Dr. Blackwell was one of the greatest proffessors I have ever had. He made sure he was always available to any student that needed him no matter what time of the day or night it was. I had the honor of being in 8 of his classes and he became a mentor to and he loved to tease Craig, Michael, and myself saying he was going to start claiming us on his taxes. The day I called him telling him my mother had passed away, he went out of his way to call me every day to check on me and even after I graduated he would call me at least once to twice a week to make sure my health was improving. I'll never forget you Dr. Jerry Bklackwell for everything you had done for me. You will be surely missed by me and a loit of other people whose lives you made a huge impact on,

Dr. Blackwell always encouraged me to be steadfast with my goals. He had a humorously humble approach to life that made those around him feel at ease. I will always reflect with gratitude for the impact he made in my life.

My heart is broken by this news today. I worked with Jerry for some many years in Charleston and knew him as such a caring person and a friend to so many. He wanted to make the world better for others - especially his students and those less fortunate. Many happy memories - rest in peace dear Jerry.

We are so very sorry for you. Our prayers and love go to each of you. If we can do anything, please let us know. Love, Cameron Evers, Patrick Evers and Katie Evers.

Jerry had a generosity of spirit that touched everything and everyone around him. He loved his children and his work with all children. He was a gift in our lives. I loved him dearly.

I just found out last night and it broke my heart... Prayers and much love for his family... He was the best teacher I ever had... He always listen and never judge... His son and daughter was his world... He talked about them all the time... No body can ever replace you... I sit here and think about you and i tear up... You meant the world to me... I looked at you as more a father firgure... RIP I LOVE YOU!!!

As soon as I heard your ring tone I knew we were kindred spirits! Oh how I enjoyed working with you these past few years. You were such an example of selfless sacrifice - you truly cared about your students and your desire to see each and every one of them succeed was inspiring. Thank you for being a true southern gentleman and for being my friend. I will miss you dearly Jubal! ;)

Jerry was an incredible, kind, wonderful man. He was loved by many and will be missed by many. I have so many wonderful memories of him while on mission trips in Nicaragua (2001-2003). He especially loved the little babies. He would pick them up, dance around with them, kiss them, and just love them like they have never been loved before. He always talked about taking one home to his family.
We were all blessed by his servant heart, and he will be forever remembered by those of us who were blessed to serve with him. Our friendship continued over the years, and he always had a way of lifting me up when I would call when life was difficult. His life made a wonderful turn when he embraced Catholocism in Greenville in 2011: his faith deepened, and I know he knew he was truly loved by our Savior. He was so blessed by serving at Gateway House...this became his passion and joy. Looking forward to seeing him again in Heaven.

I will always think of Jerry as someone who knew self humility and supported the rights of everyone in their pursuit of happiness.

He adored his children. His eyes lit up every time he spoke of them. One night he brought their picture to dinner to share. He described them to us in detail, an "amazing gift" , he called them.

He was a man who made a difference in the lives of others....leaving this world a better place for us all.

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.

What a shock to lose such a fine man and a fine teacher with a heart for his students. Dr. Blackwell will be missed. He was too young and I believe he had a lot more to contribute.

Anyone who ever knew Jerry never questioned his heart. Above all, he was a good man who dearly loved his family and friends. He leaves behind a warm spot in the hearts of the many lives he touched, including mine.

We were all so sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

The Wade's..Jerry, Barbara, Kim, Jay and Buffi
(Charleston, SC)

My heart is heavy today with the news of our loss of Jerry Blackwell. He was an incredible man with a tender heart and a gracious soul. I remember serving in Nicaragua with him for several years and fishing for Tarpon in Lake Nicaragua. Our friendship continued over the years. I miss him so much. Jerry, you meant a lot to me and I miss you dearly. You were a great friend. Rest in peace my good buddy. I love you.

My heart and soul goes to out the family and friends of Jerry Blackwell. He meant a lot to those who knew him. He was a Father, Professor, and Mentor. He understood his role in life with each person - he meet here on earth. He will be missed by all of us that he influenced during his time with us. Whether you knew him as Jerry, Professor Blackwell or even Dr Blackwell - he always had a minute for you. His office was always open for anybody for any problem big or small - related to school or not . He was there to listen to the problem and help if he could.
He cared a lot for those people that where around him especially his son and daughter, but he also cared for his other family at the GATEWAY HOUSE and his few close friends/students at Strayer.
Jerry - WE LOVE YOU !!!
Just press the K (he could only response to text by only press a "K")

I remember Jerry as a kind man who just wanted everyone to have a fair share of life. He loved his family very much and treated others with respect and kindness.