Howard “Donald” Blackwell

Howard “Donald” Blackwell

Howard “Donald” Blackwell
October 9, 1950 – June 6, 2022

ZEBULON – Howard Donald Blackwell, 71, passed away at home on Monday. He was born in Granville County to the late Howard S. & Pauline Frazier Blackwell. Donald was a self-employed Truck Driver, beloved husband, brother, friend, and was one of the last cowboys. He had a soft heart for children, elderly people, and animals. He is preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Blackwell Currin, as well as his father & mother-in-law, Hal & Marie Ferguson.

Funeral service will be held 4 pm, Friday, June 10, 2022, in the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow service at the Ferguson Family Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Wanda F. Blackwell; siblings, Amy Malugen, Bess Reece (Stewart), Paul Blackwell (Wanda); siblings-in-law, Timothy Wayne Ferguson (Mae), Bonnie Bryant of Samaria, Anita Privette (Jay) of Zebulon; many nieces, nephews, aunts, and beloved extended family.

Flowers welcomed, or memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate.

Visitation 7-8:30 pm, Thursday, Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, NC 27591. www.stricklandfuneral.com.

10 Comments

  • Kim Malugen Posted June 8, 2022 3:12 pm

    Donald Blackwell was one of the nicest people I have ever known. He was always smiling, always so loving and kind. He adored his family and extended family, especially all the kids. I will never forget the first time I met him about 34 years ago at a family gathering and I thought to myself “what a handsome cowboy!” He was a true cowboy to the core. He loved riding horses and spending time with his family and friends while doing it. There will never be another Donald. He was one of the good ones. Continued love and prayers to this wonderful family.

  • Shelia Roberts Posted June 9, 2022 7:28 am

    He was definitely one of the “GOOD ONES”. In all the years I knew Donald, I never heard anyone say a bad thing about him. He was a devoted husband to Wanda and a strong man to lean on for many others. He was always dressed like a true cowboy, which he was. Full of manners and genuine love for his family. He will be missed by many and I am so lucky to have known him. I pray his family and friends can rejoice in the comfort of knowing he is no longer in pain. We love you Donald. See you again one day sweet friend.

  • Carolina Greystone Posted June 9, 2022 12:09 pm

    Paul and Family – we are so sorry to hear of Donald’s passing. He hauled many loads of stone for us over the years, and it was always a pleasure to see him pull in. He always had a kind word and a big smile. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. -Vangie, Tommy & workers at Carolina Greystone, Marion, NC.

  • DANNY AND BECKY DEAN Posted June 9, 2022 2:08 pm

    Donald meant so much to everyone who knew him, he was such a great friend. We wish to send our condolences to Wanda, Bess, Paul, Amy and to all of Donald”s Family and Friends, may God be with you, comfort and guide you through this sad and trying time. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers, We will miss Donald, may he Rest in Peace. Hugs and Love to you all.

  • Karla Widner (Vanessa’s Mom) Posted June 9, 2022 5:15 pm

    I’m so very sorry! It was an honor to have know Mr. B!!! He and his wife have treated my daughter and granddaughters as their own. Know you are in my prayers!

  • Terry Mckenzie Posted June 9, 2022 5:18 pm

    My sincere condolences to the Blackwell family. I knew Howard Blackwell as Duck. He was very dependable and well liked here at Oldcastle..He will be missed, but please take comfort to know the spirit lives on forever.

    GOD BLESS ,

    Mr Terry and Sharon Mckenzie

  • Libby Blackley Posted June 9, 2022 7:50 pm

    I knew Donald many years ago when I was a teenager. He was truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. I’d like to extend my sympathies to his wife and extended family. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God be with you all and May his memory be everlasting. Rest In Peace Donald.

  • Melanie Gainey Posted June 10, 2022 10:39 am

    I am so sorry for your loss Wanda. Please know that you and the family are being lifted up in prayer now and in the days to come. I hope you find comfort and peace in God’s love and grace. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

  • Annette Baker Posted June 11, 2022 12:18 pm

    Like Libby wrote, Donald was one of the sweetest and kindest people I have ever met. May Heaven be as sweet to Donald as he was to Earth.

  • Frank Timberlake Posted June 14, 2022 10:02 am

    Amy and family. I’m saddened to learn today of Donald’s passing. I knew him in Oxford days and he was a nice guy. Prayers for and condolences to all of your family.

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