Bobby Luther Blackwell

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 27, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Dunbar Funeral Home Northeast Chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Mr. Blackwell served honorably as a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War era, Vietnam War era, and Peacetime from 1950 until he retired in 1971. Bobby was recognized with several outstanding achievements during the years of his service, most notably in relation to his six missions aboard the B-52 air crafts during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In 1966, Bobby gained notoriety when he became the youngest CMSgt in the US Air Force at that time. Upon retirement, Bobby became actively involved in the betterment of South Carolina public education as well as the Columbia community. In his downtime, he enjoyed a game of pool in one of his many tournaments, and prided himself on knowing every punchline to any joke you could tell him.

He is survived by wife of 56 years, Adele Blackwell of Columbia; daughter, Brigitte Veronica King of Columbia and her two children, Aimee Renee King of Columbia and son, Ryan Thomas King of New York City; son, Edward Allen Blackwell of Columbia and his four children, Matthew Tyler Blackwell, Jason Taylor Blackwell, Laken Elizabeth Blackwell, and Chase Carson Blackwell all of Columbia; as well as in-laws Jeannine and Ray Craig of Columbia. He was predeceased by parents Luther David and Evelyn Southern Blackwell and sister, Barbara Anne Blackwell.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.