Jack Henderson Blackwell

Jack Henderson Blackwell died peacefully at home on June 13th, aged 103. Jack lived a life of dignity, tenacity, humility, and love, for which he was well respected. He truly was a member of “the Greatest Generation.”

Jack’s life was well lived and nothing short of adventurous. After graduating from McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN, he enrolled at the University of the South, Sewanee, TN. At Sewanee, Jack was active in Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and served as an equipment manager for the Tigers football team (where his main task was often running to fetch a fresh pack of cigarettes for the head coach mid-game). His love of Sewanee was evident throughout his entire life, supporting it in multiple ways and serving in various prominent alumni roles.

Jack’s studies were interrupted by the outbreak of WWII. Eager to serve, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, and trained in Chicago as one of the “90 Day Wonders”. He eventually made his way to the South Pacific, serving as the Lieutenant of an LCT (Landing Craft Tank), ferrying soldiers and tanks to shore. During the invasion of Peleliu, 23 year-old Jack was forced to take full command of his ship when his captain became incapacitated. Jack’s stories of his time in the South Pacific continued to captivate all who were lucky enough to hear them for the rest of his life. After the war, Jack returned to Sewanee and graduated with a degree in Spanish.

After graduating, Jack went home to Birmingham to work for his father for a brief period at the Moore Handley Hardware Company. In 1947, his professional life would change course forever after a meeting with Kirkman O’Neal and his son Emmet O’Neal. They offered Jack a job with their family business, Southern Steel Works (today known as O’Neal Steel). For the next 43 years, Jack served O’Neal Steel with passion and vigor. Moving through the sales department, into management, and eventually serving as President and COO, Jack’s vision and work ethic helped propel the company forward. Most important to him, however, were the people he served alongside. At O’Neal Steel’s recent Centennial Celebration, Jack was recognized for his contributions to the company.

Jack’s leadership and business acumen were appreciated and acknowledged by the entire steel service center industry. He served on the board of the Metals Service Center Institute (including a term as President), and was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.

Jack’s personal life was full of varied pursuits. He enjoyed time spent with friends at Mountain Brook Country Club, where his love of both tennis and golf flourished, and where he would serve a term as President. Jack spent countless weekends in the outdoors hunting and fishing. He loved time on the water, particularly at Perdido Key, where he and wife Barbara would frequent. In later years, he enjoyed bird watching and digital photography, visiting Dauphin Island with daughter Jane and others in pursuit of the perfect image.

Jack and wife Barbara were founding members of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and remained active until their deaths. Jack was a lifelong member of the Redstone Club. Earlier in his career, Jack was active in the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.

First and foremost, Jack’s life centered around his beloved wife, Barbara. They married in November, 1947, and remained married until Barbara’s death in February, 2007. He was devoted to her and their three daughters.

Jack was predeceased by: his beloved wife Barbara Allen Blackwell and oldest daughter Barbara Blackwell Dunlap; his parents, Cicero C. and Pauline Blackwell; siblings Dr. C. Claude Blackwell, Jr., William C. Blackwell, and Jane Hodges; and, great-granddaughter Anne Bennett Mattei. He is survived by his daughters Margaret B. Young (Don) and Jane B. Graffeo (Michael); grandchildren Margaret D. White (Jameson), Kate D. Robinette (Chris), Brooke Y. Amys (Chris), Elizabeth Y. South (Dirk), William B. Young (Carlee), Blair G. Mattei (Kirk), Sarah G. Weinacker (Grafton), and Matthew B. Graffeo (Grace); 11 great grandchildren; and, his ever loving, faithful companion, Murphy.

Jack was able to stay in his home until his death partly due to the loving care provided by Gail, Cynthia, Stacy, Erica and Angela, and the support of the Cross Creek residents and employees. For this the family wishes to thank you.

Services for Jack will be Thursday, June 20th at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Mountain Brook, with Visitation at 10:00 a.m. in Graham Hall, followed by Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Memorials in Jack’s name may be made to Founders Place and/or the St. Luke’s Foundation, both c/o St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3736 Montrose Road, Mountain Brook, AL. 35213, or, to the charity of your choice.