Lewis Joe Blackwelder

Lewis Joe Blackwelder was born April 26, 1943 in the family home in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Bronwyn Ann Maria (née Edwards) of Harrisburg, daughter Amanda Kim and son-in-law, Paul Shelton, of Austin, Texas; and sisters Elaine Miller, of Concord, North Carolina, Mae Pope, of Concord, North Carolina, and Martha Bolick, of Mount Ulla, North Carolina. 

He is preceded in death by parents Lewis Franklin Blackwelder and the late Elma King Miller Blackwelder. He is also preceded in death by precious daughter Karen Louise and brothers Edward, Gene, Carl, Hoyte and Bill Blackwelder. 

He served his country in the USAF for 23 years, retiring while stationed in Texas. He moved back to his hometown of Harrisburg (where he was voted "Most Dependable" of the Harrisburg High School Senior class of 1962!) to be close to his extended family. He worked with special children at Jay M. Robertson High School for 14 years before retiring and volunteered with the children for 20 years at Providence Baptist Church before Alzheimer's made it impossible for him to work at the high level for which he was known and was proud of. Whether known as Lewis, Louie, LJ or "Mr. B", he never let anyone forget how much he cared. 

Our entire family is grateful to our extended support circle for their love, concern and kindness over these devastating years of his illness and to Cabarrus County Hospice for taking such wonderful care of him in his final months. Now, he is with all of his loved family, friends and beloved pets who have gone before him.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm, Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Providence Baptist Church of Harrisburg. The funeral service will be held in the sanctuary at 2 pm officiated by Pastor Rody Carland. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis at Hwy. 29N at I85, Exit 58, Concord.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Blackwelder family.