James Derek Blackwell

James Derek Blackwell, 54 of Tylertown, MS passed away Monday, October 20, 2025. He was born Saturday, July 3, 1971 in Jackson, Tennessee to the late Quitman Ned Blackwell and Barbara "Janie" Johnson Blackwell.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at New Zion Baptist Church, 2 New Zion Road Tylertown, MS. Visitation will also be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 9:00 AM until funeral service at 11:00 AM at New Zion Baptist Church. Burial will follow in New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Brother Mack McElveen and Brother Harold Gaddy will officiate. Hartman Hughes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To know Derek Blackwell was to be loved by him. He never met a stranger or made anyone feel like they weren't included during any occasion or even simple day to day life. He would turn someone from a friend into family within minutes with his outgoing personality. He was well known in the community for his business, Blackwell's AC & Heat. His work ethic exemplified just a small portion of who he stood for as person. He graduated from Sullivan Votech in 1993, devoted 16+ years of his career to City Heat & Air, and then some years later started his own business in 2009. His dedication and hard work were very important factors in his life, but he prided himself on being a husband, father, brother, and Pop to his precious grandbabies. He and Theresa built a beautiful life over the past 25 years. Not a day went by that Theresa, their kids/grandkids, or even Toejoe went without feeling his love and understanding. He thoroughly enjoyed life whether it was spending time with family, fixing someone's A/C & Heat, fishing with his buddies, checking the cows, or just sitting in his recliner watching Mississippi State. He selflessly devoted the last 15+ years serving as a Volunteer Fireman and first responder in Walthall County. He was someone that everyone looked up to, and we could all strive to be like. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

Survivors include his wife, Theresa Johnson Blackwell; sons, Austin Blackwell (Cellina) and Garrett Golden (Anna); daughter, Graycee Boyd; sister, Lora Duncan (Greg); grandchildren, Jace Hilburn, Adalynn Blackwell, Tucker Hilburn, Carter Golden, Piper Hilburn, Noah Blackwell, and Grant Golden; nephew, Aaron Duncan; great nephew, Kaisen Duncan; along with a host of loving family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Holmes, Les Lampton, John Herring, Eric Thomas, Chad Parish, Delbert Wood, Cody Thompson, and Craig Graham.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Montgomery, Justin Stoll, Jeff Holmes, John Thompson, Dale Magee, Carl Reboul, Johnnie Davis, Adam Brumfield, Brad Alford, Chad Arnold, Brett Johnson, and Cody Carney.

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