Mr. Joe Louis Blackwell, son of the late Lombe and Beulah Cowan Blackwell, was born in Harrisburgh, Pa., on March 14, 1946, and entered into eternal rest on April 2, 2020, at Accordius Health, in Charlotte, N.C.. He was married to Pauline Scott Blackwell, who survives. He was preceded in death three sisters, Carolyn Blackwell, Brenda Rankins and Francis Blackwell-Tucker.

Joe was a graduate of Unity High School, Class of 1964. He was a proud member of the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War from May 1969-1970. He was a faithful member Greater New Mt. Olive Pentecostal Holiness. He served as Vice President of the brotherhood of the church, Vice President of the Usher Board, served on the financial committee of N.C. State Council, was a Sunday School Teacher and sang with OMS choir for many years.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life, his loving wife Pauline of the home; three sons, Deleon Watts of Statesville, Derek (Latorya) Blackwell of Charlotte, and Anthony Blackwell of Statesville; five grandchildren, Deleon (Jessica) Watts Jr., Sakari Johnson, Jamaury Blackwell, Shyla Blackwell and Kase Blackwell; one great grandchild, Deleon Watts III; two sisters, Sallie L. Witts of Statesville and Sarah (Elder Joseph) Farmer of Ringgold, Va.; on brother, Douglas (Kathy) Blackwell of Troutman; one uncle, Henry (Essie) Steele of Statesville; one aunt, Mary L. Steele of Statesville; and a host of dedicated nephews, nieces cousins, church family, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 12 noon at Greater New Mt. Olive Holiness Church, 2509 East Greenbriar Road, Statesville, N.C.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.