Richard Bays Blackwell, Sr.

Richard Bays Blackwell, Sr.

Richard Bays Blackwell, Sr. of Kingsport, TN passed away February 8, 2024, at NHC HealthCare, Kingsport, TN.Mr. Blackwell was born on November 15, 1927, in Dante, VA, Russell County and achieved the ripe old age of 96.He was the devoted son of the late Samuel C. and Carrie Gilliam Blackwell of Dungannon, VA.Mr. Blackwell attended Grade Schools in Dungannon, Wise, Norton and Gate City, VA. He attended High School in Gate City and Pennington Gap, VA, where he graduated in 1944 first in his class.Richard entered Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA in June 1944 and attended until June 1945.After leaving VMI, Mr. Blackwell entered the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. While there, he was the manager of the Navy Football Team. He graduated in 1949. Mr. Blackwell served for over 20 years as an officer in the United States Navy. Richard retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1969.After retiring from the Navy, Richard received a Master of Arts Degree in Education in 1972 from Trenton State College.Mr. Blackwell was a member of Gate City United Methodist Church in Gate City, VA.Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Patsy Sandidge Blackwell and his son, Richard B. Blackwell, Jr.Mr. Blackwell is survived by his son, Robert M. Blackwell, Sr. and his wife, Marilyn of Churchville, PA, his daughter, Patricia H. Blackwell Reeser and her husband, John of Hatfield, PA, stepson, Mark Bishop of Kingsport, TN. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren Robert M. Blackwell, Jr., Victoria E. Reeser (Jamie Litwiller), Laura E. Dafoe (Taylor), and John D. Reeser II, and great-granddaughter, Patricia Dafoe.Graveside services will be conducted on March 2, 2024, at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA. Everyone will gather at Gate City Funeral Home for the procession to the cemetery at 10:30.A special thank you to Marcella Roberts and her staff at Brighter Days for the wonderful care they gave Richard over the past eight years.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to Gate City United Methodist Church, Gate City, VA.An online guest register is available for the Blackwell family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Richard Bays Blackwell, Sr.