Gene "Pepa" Blackwell

Gene Blackwell, age 81, of Acworth, passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, January 10, 2026. He was born on February 16, 1944, in Canton, Georgia, to the late Leon and Melinda Blackwell.
Gene proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968 and was especially honored to have been selected as the General's driver. He was a devoted and faithful husband, a true example of what a husband should be in love, care, and commitment. His family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in each of them.
A gifted builder, Gene could literally build anything and found great joy in teaching his skills and passing along his knowledge to his family. He enjoyed collecting coins, telling a good joke, investing, and faithfully keeping up with the stock market each day. Most of all, Gene treasured every moment spent making memories with his children and grandchildren.
Gene will be remembered for his strength, generosity, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife of 47 years, Dorothy "Dottie" Blackwell; daughter, Sherry Blackwell; grandsons, Chad Ottaway and Blake Pritchett; siblings, Frankie Aline Joseph, Helen Gail Stephens and Jackie Leon Blackwell; and nephews, Jody Stephens and Lynn Stephens.
Gene is survived by his children, Rick Blackwell (Nancy), Vickie Smith (Eric), and Stacy Blackwell; grandchildren, Greg Blackwell (Sonni), Bobby Blackwell, Brent Blackwell, Connor Blackwell, Chloe Blackwell, Jared Smith (Alex), and Brittany Smith-LaFleur (Mercedes); great-grandchildren, Christian Blackwell, Letti Gibson, Zachariah Zarndt, Greyson Ricketts, Jackson Smith and Beaux Smith-LaFleur; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
A visitation will be held at Sosebee Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Rolling Hills Memory Gardens in Acworth with Military Honors provided by the U.S. Air Force.
Sosebee Funeral Home, Canton, GA is honored to serve the family of Gene Blackwell. Sosebeefuneralhome.com 770-479-2131.