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Willis Blackshear Obituary

BLACKSHEAR, Sr., Willis E. Age 57 and a lifelong resident of Dayton, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Dayton on February 19, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Regina, son, Willis Jr. and stepchildren, Jamil, Keianna and Brekila. He was a graduate of Dunbar High School (Class of 1979) and Fisk University (Class of 1983). Willis began a 30-year career of public service in the Montgomery County Treasurer's office, working his way from an entry level position to Assistant County Treasurer. In 2006, he realized his dream of serving as an elected official when he was appointed Montgomery County Recorder. Willis was elected to his first four-year term in 2008, and re-elected in 2012 and 2016. He served on numerous boards including Miami Valley Fair Housing, Sinclair College Paralegal and Tawawa Community Development Corporation. Willis was president of the Dayton Montgomery County Black Elected Officials, the first African-American to serve as president of the Ohio Recorders Association, member of the G-Men Social Club of Dayton and recipient of the Top Ten African American Male (2009) and Montgomery County Democrat of the Year (2014) awards. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Blackshear; and sisters, Catherine Wright, Willene Dansby-Blackshear and Lillian (Sue) Cleveland. Other survivors include sister, Carlotta Culpepper; brothers, Bill Thomas (Evelyn), Milton Blackshear (Angela), Dennis Blackshear, and twin, Willard Blackshear; mother-in-law, Dorothy Garrett; brothers/sisters-in-law Timothy (Paula) Branham, Herman (Zaria) Dixon, and Darrell (Belinda) Anderson; four grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A celebration of Willis' life will be held on Saturday, March 17, Sinclair Community College, Smith Auditorium in Building 12, at 1:00 p.m. Family members will greet and receive friends at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "The Willis E. Blackshear, Sr. Scholarship Fund" of The Dayton Foundation, 40 N. Main Street, Suite 500, Dayton, Ohio 45423. HHRoberts.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Mar. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Willis Blackshear

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Victoria Taylor

April 18, 2024

I just today realized that Mr Blackshear passed away 6 years ago. He was such a sincere and wonderful man. I was his son´s pediatrician and he and his family were absolutely one of my favorites. May he be blessed in heaven until we all meet once again. I´m so sad just discovering his passing. But I know in my heart ....to a better place.
Victoria Taylor

Bob Grohol

April 2, 2018

My sympathies and prayers to the family. I worked with Willis in a business capacity over the past 5 years. Willis was always a professional, always accommodating, and always had a kind word to say. It was a pleasure to know him. He will be missed.

GERMAN HENDERSON

March 20, 2018

Decades ago we met while serving as members of Innerwest Priority Board - Dayton, OH, as advocates for the least of those.

Willis E. Blackshear Sr., a steadfast, upright man; many hearts are broken, shattered more than a million pieces at his demise.
"...[P]eace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Respectfully submitted,
GERMAN E. HENDERSON

Nancy Lewis

March 5, 2018

Rest peacefully Willis, a wonderful friend to many. May your loved ones find peace knowing you are healthy and happy in Heaven

Richard and Lenora Brown

March 5, 2018

Blackshear Family,

We pray that you find comfort in your memories of Willis and may the Lord wrap His loving arms around you during your time of sorrow. The Dayton Dunbar Wolverines Class of 1979 will keep his memory alive. RIH Classmate knowing that you made a huge impact in many lives and Dayton Ohio.

GERALD MARTIN

March 4, 2018

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND MAY HE RIH. GERALD MARTIN AND FAMILY.

Rev. Raleigh Trammell Family

March 4, 2018

We share in the loss of our good friend Mr. Willis Blackshear Sr. and want the family to know that we lift you in prayer. Even tho he is no longer with us, his works and the service that he rendered to this city will never be forgotten. He was truly a blessing to anyone that knew him. May God walk you through this valley of sorrow.

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

March 4, 2018

In God's care, rest in peace.

Webster jr Webster

February 25, 2018

William l

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Memorial Events
for Willis Blackshear

Mar

17

Calling hours

12:30 p.m.

Sinclair Community College, Smith Auditorium in Building 12

OH

Mar

17

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Sinclair Community College, Smith Auditorium in Building 12

OH

Funeral services provided by:

H. H. Roberts Mortuary, Inc.

38 S. Gettysburg Avenue, Dayton, OH 45417

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