Thomas Blackwell Obituary

BLACKWELL, Jr, Thomas COLUMBIA - Thomas Walter Buddy Blackwell, Jr., beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, passed away Saturday, February 10, 2007, at Intermedical Hospital of South Carolina surrounded by his loving family after a long and valiant battle with Muscular Dystrophy and heart disease. Born May 8, 1938, he was a son of the late Thomas Walter Blackwell, Sr. and Helena Ann Miles Blackwell. He graduated from Columbia High school in 1957 and attended the University of South Carolina after which he worked with Pitney Bowes Inc. for 18 years. He then changed careers and became owner of Western Sizzlin Steak houses in several cities. Buddy was an avid hobbyist and enjoyed things such as boating, motorcycling, radio controlled airplanes, as well as remote controlled cars. After becoming disabled, he became a Ham radio enthusiast, enjoying many hours on the radio. Buddy was a lifelong member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Shelvie Kirks Blackwell; daughters, Cyndi Blackwell Dudley and her husband, Mark Dudley, of Summerville, S.C. and Susan Blackwell Miller and her husband, Stuart Miller, of Cornelius, N.C.; son, Thomas Walter Blackwell, III and his wife, Kimberly Sarvis Blackwell, of Lexington, S.C.; grandchildren, Nicholas Taylor Dudley, Corey David Dudley, Matthew Richard Dudley, Marshall Evan Dudley, Amberly Nicole Miller, Melissa Stuart Miller, Ashley Renee Blackwell, Katherine Michelle Blackwell and Thomas Walter Blackwell, IV; and brothers, George Ralph Blackwell and Theodore Miles Blackwell, both of Columbia, S.C. All who knew him will miss Buddy's love and friendship. Graveside service will be held Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Park with Tim Branham and Charles Woodrow officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons and sons-in-law, with Bob Andrews, Bill Rivers and John Nunez as honorary pallbearers. Visitation will be Monday 6-8 p.m. at DUNBAR FUNERAL HOME, DEVINE STREET CHAPEL. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2700 Middleburg Dr., Columbia, S.C. 29204. www.dunbarfunerals.com Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.