Blackwell, John Luther

John Luther Blackwell, 78, of Check, VA, went to be with the Lord on Sunday June 1, 2025, John was a man who never met a stranger. He loved to talk; it was common to see his truck setting parked somewhere along Sunny Ridge as he was chatting with a neighbor. He was always quick to give a helping hand to anyone in need and to share his vast knowledge and skill.

He graduated from Nashville Auto / Diesel college in 1966. He became an independent welder working on bridges throughout the state. He was also a fifth-generation dairy farmer. John served for many years on the Floyd Co. Farm Bureau Board.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Luther Ramon and Arlene Williams Blackwell; older sister: Mildred Blackwell. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years: Betty Roberts Blackwell; their two daughters: Carol Blackwell and Dianna Blackwell Hale; son-in-law: Paul R. Hale Jr, all of Check; six grandchildren: Alexandra Turpin (Austin), Rachel Elkins (Cameron), Jared Custer (Brylie), Paul Ray “Trey” Hale III (Scarlett), Emma Galimore (Ben), Caroline Hale; nine great-grandchildren: Madison Worrell, Harper Worrell, Kennedy Turpin, Sawyer Elkins, Waylon Custer, Rhett Turpin, Wesley Custer, Atlee Elkins, and Warren Custer; beloved sister: Linda Barlow; sister-in-law: Patricia Palmer (Dave); cousin he considered his brother: Donald McLane Whitlock (Priscilla); dearest friend and neighbor: Robert “Bob” Dietz; a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral Services will be Friday June 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Whitlock officiating. Interment will follow in Blackwell Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 1 to 2 PM before the service. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Agriculture in the Classroom or the Ronald McDonald House.
Online condolences may be made at this link