Charles MacArthur Blackwell
April 15, 1945 - February 24, 2013
Obituary
God in his infinite wisdom saw fit to send his angel to take his child Charles home. Although we will miss him, we gain strength from the knowledge that he is resting in the arms of Jesus and that we have one more angel looking after us.
Charles MacArthur Blackwell was born April 15, 1945 in Jacksonville, Alabama to the union of the late William and Elnora Blackwell. He was the youngest of eight children born to this union. On February 24, 2013 at 4pm, God called Charles home. He passed peacefully in the presence of his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, pastor, and extended family.
Charles spent his younger years in Oxford, Alabama with his surviving 4 sisters, maternal grandparents, aunt and uncles. In the late 1960’s Charles followed his sister Bobbye Jean Duckworth to Washington State, where he resided until his death. In the 40 years Charles remained in Redmond, WA he developed a strong community and even stronger bonds with family and friends that extended to Bellevue, Tacoma and Seattle, WA.
He attended Alabama State University and Seattle University where he earned his certificate of drafting and become a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. Upon receiving his certificate of drafting he worked for CH2M Hill as a Civil Engineer until becoming an entrepreneur and forming B&C Services in the late 80’s.
When he was not working, Charles spent his time with his favorite passions, family, friends, classic cars and beating his nephews, Sean and Derrick, at pool. When the sun made its summer appearances Charles could be found meticulously cleaning either of his old Chevy’s or taking a quick moment to ride around in the convertible with the top down. He would often joke but all so seriously say, “I have 4 children. Fatima, Shakeria, my 1970 SS Chevelle and 1958 Impala.” Charles truly valued a well-made automobile leading him to join the Old Rides Car Club and taking the role as the club’s president.
Charles’ true passion was undoubtedly for his family, restoring old cars, and for God. He was baptized at an early age and died with a strong belief in Christ and passion for following the Word. Charles was a devoted member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, where he could be found each Sunday sitting next to his sister Bobbye and her husband Robert.
Charles will be truly missed but never forgotten. He is survived by his wife, Essie Blackwell, daughters Fatima Blackwell and Shakeria Walker of Atlanta, GA, grandson Chase MacArthur Blackwell-Robertson, granddaughter Payton Nicole Walker, ex-wife Cardury “Ann” Blackwell, sisters, Dorothy Wright and husband Arnold, of Tacoma, WA, Bobbye Jean Duckworth and husband Robert of Bellevue, WA, Bettye Joe Thomas of Mobile, AL, Sylvia Rowe of New Haven, CT, and a number of loved nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews and cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by siblings Mary Clifford Crawford, James Edward and Thomas Blackwell.
Charles you will truly be miss, who’s going to keep me inform now? Will miss our talks and meeting in Anniston and Ga.We love you but God love you best . My prayers are with the family. The Bowers Family
May God bless the Blackwell families. My name is William Lopez in which I saw the late Mr. Blackwell 1958 in Car shows. Beautiful car! wlopezags@aol.com
God Bless