Champion R. Blackwood Jr.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2011 at First United Methodist Church Gadsden for Mr. Champion R. Blackwood, Jr., age 88, of Gadsden, who passed away Friday, October 28, 2011. Rev. Roger Thompson and Rev. Ken Casey will officiate with burial at Forrest Cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Service directing.

Mr. Blackwood was a member of First United Methodist Church Gadsden and served his church gladly in many capacities. He attended Henderson State College in Arkansas and was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from Blackwood Realty.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Champion R. Blackwood, Sr. and Clara Legg Blackwood; sisters, Vivian Cole Blackwood (Wink) and Gwen Blackwood Siniard (Tom); and brother, Edsel Hoyt Blackwood.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Gloria Ann Blackwood- you and me forever; son, Jeffry Champion Blackwood (Lois); daughter, Dee Blackwood McCoy (Dick); grandchildren, Richard Blackwood McCoy, Alison Perdue McCoy, David Clark McCoy and Vince Blackwood; sister-in-law, Betty Jean Blackwood; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Morris Friendship Sunday School Class, Judges Coffee Club and Old Goats Lunchclub.

The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Gadsden or your favorite charity.

Special thanks to the 8th floor east nurses and staff at Gadsden Regional Medical Center for all your tender loving care, also thanks to Sadie McGinnis, Wanda Findley and Dr. H.B. Thompson.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Monday at First United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com.