Mr. Raymond Charles Blackwell, 73 passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Charles was a loving husband, dedicated father and grandfather. He never met a stranger, and always put a smile on everyone’s face. He enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends.

His most beloved time was spent with his grandchildren and wife exploring mountain tops of North Carolina and having picnic lunches.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Beaver Dam Baptist Church. Officiating will be the Rev. Bryan Strickland.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the church prior to the service.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbus, North Carolina.

He was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, to the late Raymond Christopher Blackwell and Mary Smith Blackwell. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Boyd Blackwell.

He was a retired member of the Columbus North Carolina Volunteer Fire Department, and a U.S. Army veteran. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 15 years, was a successful business owner for over 30 years, served on the Columbus Town Council and was a past master of the Poke County Unity Masonic Lodge #482.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy Blackwell; daughter, Lorrie Toms and husband, Nate; grandchildren, Kate and Compton Toms; and brother, Clyde Blackwell and wife, Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roseboro Church of God, P.O. Box 6, Roseboro, NC 28382.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC 28391.