Ben Blackwood

Ben attended Franklin Road Academy and Father Ryan High School in Nashville, TN. He graduated with a degree in ornamental horticulture and landscape design from the University of Tennessee. While at Tennessee, Ben worked in the UT gardens where he helped design both landscapes and hardscapes. His happiest moments were in the greenhouses propagating new plants.

Ben started an internship with Popes Garden Center after college. In addition to being a horticulturist, he was the general manager of Popes Garden Centers until his passing.

Ben loved his family. He loved his Braves and his Vols, but nothing compared to watching his son Eddie on the ballfield or daughter Mae on the volleyball court. Many nights included long conversations with his dad and he was always bringing plants to his mom. Saturdays were reserved for hanging with the “Saturday Night Crew”, winning cornhole tournaments, watching sports, and eating delicious food. Ben was an incredible cook, often filling special requests such as grilled cheese croutons or bacon egg and cheese sammiches. He loved working at Popes where he was able to use his vast plant knowledge every day. He was a devoted family man and sports fan who found his greatest joy in supporting his loved ones, sharing meaningful traditions, cooking for others, and working with plants at Popes.

Ben is preceded in death by paternal grandparents, William J. and Ruble Owens Blackwood; maternal grandparents, Perkins P. and Helen Louise Long.

Ben is survived by wife Catie Blackwood; children, Eddie and Mae Blackwood; parents Ralph and Cindy Blackwood of Nashville, TN.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 1 PM to 3 PM at Berry Highland South, 9010 E. Simpson Rd, Knoxville, TN, 37920. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Tunnel to Towers – t2t.org.

Condolences and memories may be left at BerryHighlandSouth.com