Robert Lee Blackwell, 83, of Tryon, North Carolina, passed away Friday morning, June 8, 2018, at White Oak Manor, of Tryon.

Born in Polk County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Floyd L. Blackwell and Eva Peace Blackwell. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Sue Shehan Blackwell, who passed away in 2007. 

Mr. Blackwell was a veteran of the U.S. Army, who later worked as a policeman in Tryon, did construction work and later was a caretaker for several family farms. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Landrum.

Mr. Blackwell was the last surviving of nine siblings.

Surviving are two sons, Jim Blackwell of Forest City and Roger Blackwell (Brenda) of Lake Bowen; three daughters, Janice Hipp (Ray) of Rutherfordton, Mary Lou Longley (Chris) of Asheville and Denise Britton (Chuck) of Columbus. Also surviving are nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. George Whitmire officiating with military honors conducted by the Polk County Veterans Memorial Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral chapel.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

At other times, the family will be at the home of Denise and Chuck Britton.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Tryon