Daniel Russell Blackwell

Daniel R. Blackwell, 73, of Thomasville, GA passed away at home surrounded by his family and beloved pups, Odie and Maggie, on October 10th, 2025.

He was born on September 30th, 1952 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.

He attended local schools and graduated from St. Petersburg High School, on June 11th, 1971.

After high school graduation he served in the U.S. Army specializing as a 12B20 Combat Engineer. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

He attended St. Petersburg Junior College and was awarded an Associate in Arts degree on July 28th, 1977.

He moved to Tallahassee and attended Florida State University where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree on June 9th, 1979.

Dan was baptized at St. John’s Episcopal Church on June 21st, 1953 in Warrington in the Diocese of Florida.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Blackwell who he met in 1994 and married on October 28th, 1995. Step-daughter Donna Mies; his siblings, Worth (Betsy), Marie (Ernie), David (Michael) and Sam (Sandy).

He was preceded in death by his parents Phyllis Blackwell-Neel and J.R. Blackwell and his brother, Dean (Jeanie); step-son, Clint Burnette and step-daughter, Dana Gwynn Godwin.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25th, 2025 at 2:00PM in the Chapel at Allen & Allen Funeral home, 110 W. Hansell Street, Thomasville, GA. The service will be officiated by Pastor Mitch Clements and eulogy given by Pat Durbin. Dan was buried at Big Creek Cemetery on Monday, October 13th, 2025.

Dan’s hobbies included; traveling, playing golf, camping and hunting with lifetime friends, Pat Durbin, Bill Young, Doug Beason, Larry Watts, Rich Sailer, and the late Randy Owen.

Special mentions are given for his loving sisters-in-law, Linda Willis (Rodney) and Karla Barnes and all their children and grandchildren for all the love and caring received throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summer Hill Baptist Church, 7186 Summer Hill Road, Boston, GA 31626.