Darrell Gene Blackwell

BLUEFIELD, VA - Darrell Gene Blackwell, 69, of Bluefield, VA, died Tuesday, October 10, 2023 after a recent diagnosis of cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 25, 1954 in Bluefield, he was the son of the late Berman Henry and Winifred Mae Shrewsbury Blackwell. Darrell was raised in a coal camp in Wenonah (Dott) WV and was a 1972 graduate of Matoaka High School. He retired in 2014 with 42 years as a Maintenance Foreman for Consolidated Coal Company and was certified as an Electrician. After his retirement, Darrell lived life to the fullest. From motorcycle riding, 4 wheeling and riding through the trails of Southern WV in his side by side with his sweetheart to boating and camping, he enjoyed every day. He was also very eager to share these experiences with family and the many friends he made through the years. Darrell was well loved by all who knew him and his passing will leave empty spaces in the hearts of a multitude of people. He also loved the Lord and had a deep appreciation of the Christian faith. He was a man of integrity but was first a family man, perpetually constructing ways to bless those he loved. He took good care of everyone in his life and especially enjoyed spoiling his “girls”. He loved doing for his family, his friends and even perfect strangers. Darrell set the example of what it is to be a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, David Blackwell. Words cannot express the sorrow felt by his loving family. Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 51 years, Sherry Diane Jenkins Blackwell, who was also his high school sweetheart, and their beloved pet dog, Sadie Mae; two daughters, Heather Blackwell Duncan and husband Dwayne of South Boston, VA and Nikki Blackwell Croy and husband Jason of Royston, GA; five grandchildren, Savannah Duncan and fiancé Diego Machado, Dylan Duncan and wife Emilee, Chase Duncan, Jayden Croy and Kondee Croy; one great grandchild, Adalyn Jade Duncan born Oct 7, 2023; one sister, Linda Farmer of Rock; sister-in-law, Marie Blackwell; and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks are given to neighbor, Dr. Ron Billips, who was not only his physician, but also his best friend and stood by Darrell’s side throughout his illness. Also, appreciation is extended to Darrell’s cousin, Gerald Midkiff and girlfriend, Lori who put their lives on hold to help take care of him over the past several weeks. A Celebration of Darrell’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Voice of Praise Ministry Center in Bluewell with his brother-in-law, John Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow at the McComas-Crotty Cemetery in Pinoak. Serving as pallbearers will be Dylan Duncan, Chase Duncan, Gerald Midkiff, Matt King, Eric Van Dyke and Jake Stevenson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ronald Billips and Steve Robertson. The family will receive friends Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. until service hour at the Voice of Praise Ministry Center in Bluewell. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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Darrell Gene Blackwell

March 25, 1954 - October 10, 2023