John Luther Blackwell

John Luther Blackwell
October 13, 1946 - June 01, 2025
John Luther Blackwell, 78, of Check, VA, went to be with the Lord on Sunday June 1, 2025, John was a man who never met a stranger. He loved to talk; it was common to see his truck setting parked somewhere along Sunny Ridge as he was chatting with a neighbor. He was always quick to give a helping hand to anyone in need and to share his vast knowledge and skill. He graduated from Nashville Auto / Diesel college in 1966. He became an independent welder working on bridges throughout the state. He was also a fifth-generation dairy farmer. John served for many years on the Floyd Co. Farm Bureau Board. He was preceded in death by his parents: Luther Ramon and Arlene Williams Blackwell; older sister: Mildred Blackwell. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years: Betty Roberts Blackwell; their two daughters: Carol Blackwell and Dianna Blackwell Hale; son-in-law: Paul R. Hale Jr, all of Check; six grandchildren: Alexandra Turpin (Austin), Rachel Elkins (Cameron), Jared Custer (Brylie), Paul Ray “Trey” Hale III (Scarlett), Emma Galimore (Ben), Caroline Hale; nine great-grandchildren: Madison Worrell, Harper Worrell, Kennedy Turpin, Sawyer Elkins, Waylon Custer, Rhett Turpin, Wesley Custer, Atlee Elkins, and Warren Custer; beloved sister: Linda Barlow; sister-in-law: Patricia Palmer (Dave); cousin he considered his brother: Donald McLane Whitlock (Priscilla); dearest friend and neighbor: Robert “Bob” Dietz; a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Funeral Services will be Friday June 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Gardner Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Whitlock officiating. Interment will follow in Blackwell Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 1 to 2 PM before the service. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Agriculture in the Classroom or the Ronald McDonald House.