Joseph Thomas Blackwell
of North Little Rock, AR
June 8, 1923 - September 5, 2023
Joseph Thomas Blackwell of North Little Rock, 100, died September 5, 2023.
He was born June 8, 1923 in Hoxie, Arkansas, the son of the late Riley J. and Cora H. Blackwell. The family moved to Anderson, Indiana in 1935 and Mr. Blackwell graduated from high school in that city.
He served in the Navy on the patrol craft Canastota, USS PC-1135 in the South Pacific during World War II. The crew of this vessel was awarded the Bronze Star for sinking a Japanese Submarine I-32 on the 24th of March 1944. Mr. Blackwell settled in North Little Rock after the war. It was then, through the help of his sister, Bonnie Sue that he met Iris Lynette Yarbrough. They were married June 6th, 1946.
Mr. Blackwell retired as Technical Service Manager of Arkansas Best Freight System in 1988.
He was a member and deacon of Baring Cross Baptist Church. He was a former assistant Scout Master with Troop 185 of Gardner Memorial and Scout Master with Troop 300 at Baring Cross. He was also a recipient of the Order of the Arrow.
In his earlier years he was an avid duck hunter and fisherman. In later years he laid down his gun and poles and picked up golf. Even in Dads early 90's we played his ball more often than one of ours in our brothers/dad matches.
He is survived by two sons, Michael T Blackwell (Madeline) of North Little Rock and Dennis J. Blackwell (Rhonda) of Maumelle; three grandchildren, Brittney L. Blackwell of North Little Rock; David J. Blackwell of Maumelle and Leah N. Blackwell of Maumelle and one great-granddaughter, Iris Olivia Schroeder of North Little Rock.
He was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Iris Yarbrough Blackwell and two sisters, Vivian Salyer Dye and Bonnie Sue McGinley.
The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude for the care their father received from the entire staff at Willow Grove Assisted Living in Sherwood and Willow Grove Memory Care Facility in Maumelle.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. and funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11th at Roller-Owens Funeral Home at 5509 JFK in North Little Rock. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park.
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Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR 72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com