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Robert L ("Bob"/”Opossum”) Blackwell, Jr., died unexpectedly on December 24, 2016, at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC, at the age of 64. Bob is survived by his wife, Debra S Blackwell of Myrtle Beach, SC; children, Kristin Foster (Jason) of Clarksville, TN, and Brendan Blackwell (Mary) of Beaufort, NC. Bob is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Landry Grace, Braddock, Brendan, Duke, Evan and Jaycee who lovingly called him “Pooh”, the moniker his first grandchild created. He is also survived by his mother, Marjorie Blackwell, of Durham, NC; brother Doug Blackwell (Patty) of Durham, NC; sister Suzy Waldrop (Tony) of Anderson, SC; brother-in-law, Paul, who lived with and adored Bob; sister-in-law Teresa Tomsic, and nephews Matthew and Michael, all who will miss him dearly. Bob also leaves behind many close friends who loved him like a brother from his years of service with the Durham Public Safety Department, the Durham Fire Department and the Durham County Sheriff’s Department as well as new-found friends made in Myrtle Beach. He and Debbe retired to Myrtle Beach in 2014. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert L Blackwell, Sr., and his brother, Steven Reese Blackwell, both of Durham. Bob was born on February 2, 1952 in Durham, NC and graduated from NC State University in 1975 with a degree in criminal justice. He married Debbe, who he referred to as his LOML, (love of my life), in 1976. His children remember him as strict and loving as well as a fierce supporter who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and face life’s challenges head-on. He held high expectations for those around him and higher expectations for himself; he was a true man of honor. Bob never met a gym he didn’t like and could always be found working out or doing all of those ‘little things’ he did to take care of his wife and the ‘waif’ (his pet name for Paul). Additionally, the family would like to acknowledge and thank the nursing staff in the Neuro ICU at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach for their compassionate care for both Bob and his family during this difficult time. A celebration of Bob’s life is planned for later this year. All are welcome to attend and celebrate at that time. In lieu of flowers, please give in Bob’s name to the charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent to this website.

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Robert L Blackwell Jr.

February 2, 1952 - December 24, 2016