WILLIE E. BLACKWOOD "Benny"

Transition on August 7, 2024, born on Feb. 19, 1940 in Iradell County N.C. He was adopted at three days old to Ada Louise Johnston. The family later moved to Delaware. Benny traveled for construction that brought him to Big Walker Tunnel in 1970. That's when he met the love of his life Shirley Hale in Wytheville, they married in 1971 and stayed together until Shirley departed this life Jan. 2021. He is also preceded in death by two daughters, Cookie and Kandy Russell.

He leaves to mourn seven children Robert Russell of Chilhowie, VA; Dixie Russell of Richmond, VA; Donna Russell of Wytheville, VA; "Chico" Ruben and Renea Russell of Harrisburg, PA; Sandra Russell Howard "Angel" and Mingo Howard of Wytheville, VA; Terry and J.C Gregory of Charlotte, NC; Tina and Darrell Blackmon of Winston Salem, NC;

20 Grandchildren, 49 Great- Grandchildren and 2 Great-great grandchildren. A special friend, Frank Grubb. Benny worked many, many years for American Screw Co. After retiring, he worked as an attendant at Wythe Coin Laundry where most of the Wytheville community knew him. Benny never met a stranger; he had a heart of gold and would help anybody.

His hobbies include old R&B music, fishing, bowling and landscaping. He was a faithful member of the Full Gospel Pentecostal Holiness Church for many years.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chad Williams, Tammi Gyunn N.P of Palliative Hospice Care all the cards, visits, food and prayers.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 12, 2024 at the Barnett Funeral Home with the Reverend Shelley Kyle officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before service time.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Blackwood family.