Vance Blackwell

LITTLE ROCK - Vance T. Blackwell, of Little Rock, 76, was born in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1949 to Forrest and Dora Mae Blackwell. The youngest of four siblings, Forrest (Rosemary) Blackwell predeceased, Charles Bruce (Carol) Blackwell of Carmel, Ind., Joyce Elaine (Charles) Berry, Aubrey, Texas.

After his family moved to Blytheville in 1961, Vance graduated from Blytheville High School in 1967 as a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. He was a member of Scout Troop 104 where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and as a member of the Order of the Arrow lodge Hi' lo ha chy' a-la, he achieved the status of Vigil and would be elected lodge Chief. He worked at Camp Cedar Valley in Hardy where he and his fellow scouts created the legend of the Cooper Stake, a story still passed down by scouts who have no idea it started as a prank. Vance continued to be an active Scout in his adulthood.

He attended Hendrix College earning a degree in mathematics in 1971, and continued his post-bachelor education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Vance retired from Entergy/AP&L after 35 years, where he earned a reputation as a steady and quietly funny colleague.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Deitra "Dee Dee" (Crane) Blackwell who he met and married in Blytheville in 1976. They enjoyed the Arkansas Symphony and were often found at craft shows across the state supporting Deitra's jewelry business.

Vance was an avid golfer who rarely boasted about his accomplishments on the golf course, even after earning quite an assortment of trophies over the years, including eight hole-in-ones. He was a voracious reader and loved history. He was a dog lover and bird watcher, creating humorous narratives around the guests at the feeders. He had a fantastic memory for food flavors, re-calling and trying to replicate recipes from his world travels. He was a proud life-time member of Weight Watchers.

Vance and Deitra have two children Amy (Trevor) Bennett of Wellsville, N.Y., Andy (Meagan) Blackwell of Fayetteville, and one nine year old grandchild, Lottie Bennett. Vance put his family first and was always present poolside, field-side, or somewhere in the audience, cheering on his children in every endeavor.

Vance lived a life marked by quiet leadership, dry humor, curious intelligence, and a deep love for his family and friends. He was a devoted husband and a proud father, "Papa", and uncle. He was a gentle, constant presence in the lives of those he cared for. His wisdom, steadiness, and subtle wit left an imprint on everyone who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the values he passed to his children, the stories he shared, and the kindness he showed in both small moments and great ones. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of Vance's life will be held Friday, June 20, at 1 p.m. at St. Michael's Episcopal Church at 12415 Cantrell Road, in Little Rock, with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Natural State Council to help Arkansas Scouts attend summer camp. Contributions can be mailed to the Natural State Council at 3220 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72202, or made by phone by calling Susan Posey at 501-664-4780, Ext. 232. All gifts given in Vance's name will be acknowledged with a notice sent both to the donor and to the family. Donations will be matched to support the Council's Endowment Fund.