Individual Details

Death

John Hollie Blackwell, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Monday, July 10, 2006, in Oklahoma City. John was born January 14, 1927, in Morton, Miss., the son of John Hollie and Gladys Blackwell. He grew up in Picayune, Miss., and married his high school sweetheart, Thomasine Furr, on August 29, 1947. His love and devotion for Thomasine was apparent to anyone who knew them. He graduated with degrees from Mississippi State University, Michigan State University and Peabody at Vanderbilt University. John served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. during World War II as a crew chief in Okinawa from 1945-1946. He started professional life as a science teacher at Central High in Jackson, Miss. He moved into Chamber of Commerce management in Jackson, serving on the Miss. Economic Development Council. He later managed Chambers in Columbus, Miss., Jonesboro, Ark., and Enid, Okla. John relocated to Oklahoma City in 1974 where he founded and managed his own insurance business for more than 20 years. During his retirement years, John stayed active in a variety of security-related positions, including more than five years with Integris Baptist Hospital. He was a substitute teacher in Putnam City, most enjoying his time as 'Mr. Blackwell' in the classroom. John had a life-long commitment to the Presbyterian Church, helping found a church in Jackson. He served on the church Sessions wherever he lived, including many years as elder for Central Presbyterian, and most recently as elder at Grace Presbyterian in Oklahoma City. He put family first, and spent his life loving, teaching, and guiding those he loved best. He had a great love of reading, especially classic literature and history. John is survived by his wife of 58 years; and three children, Virginia Brooks and husband, Roger Brooks of Howe, Texas, John Blackwell of Bandon, Ore., and Charlotte Solnok of Tulsa. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Richard Myers, Evan Myers, Anna Ruby Waxham-Blackwell, Dorothy Waxham-Blackwell, Hollie Solnok and Allison Solnok; and two great-grandchildren, Laura Myers and Jacob Myers. A celebration of John's life will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 11300 Council Road, Oklahoma City, on Monday, July 17, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Grace Presbyterian Church, the American Heart Association or your charity of choice.
Published by Oklahoman on Jul. 16, 2006