Blackwell, James Robert

The Reverend James Robert Blackwell, 71, of Floyd, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 13, 2011. Robert was saved by God’s grace at 28 years old, went to Piedmont Bible College, and was blessed to serve as the Pastor of Tuggles Gap Baptist Church for 31 years.

He was born on November 9, 1939 to Robert Sherman and Eula Belle Williams Blackwell. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Page Blackwell; his mother, Eula Belle Martin; children and spouses, Joe and Lisa Blackwell, and Kim and Paul Shively; one granddaughter, Casey Blackwell; sisters and spouses, Nancy Jane Shank, Ileda Shelor, Catherine Louise and Thomas Hall, and Mary and W.B. Nolen; brother and spouse, Kenneth and Kathy Blackwell.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2011 at New Haven Baptist Church with Professor Dr. Hoyle Bowman, the Reverend Mike Vest and the Reverend Brian Cockram officiating. Interment will follow at the Lee Cemetery at Tuggles Gap. Visitation with the family will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Gardner Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Tuggles Gap Baptist Church will be preferred.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com. Arrangements are being handled by Gardner Funeral Home, Floyd.