Charlotte | Local Obits for Charlotte, NC (2022)
In the presence of his devoted family, John Norris Blackwelder, 86, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at the Atrium Health Medical Center.
He was the proud offspring of Thelma Godby Blackwelder and Norris Monroe Blackwelder, both of Statesville.
John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sara (Sally) Hough Blackwelder, and their children, Paul Wright and his wife, Jennifer, and Sarah Wright Robinson; by his ex-wife, Sally Barrett, and their children, Lucy Stephens and her husband, Louis, and John Blackwelder and his wife, Heather; by their grandchildren, Louis and Sarah Stephens, Neil, Leo, and Drew Blackwelder; and by their sons, John Blackwelder and his wife, Heather. John is also survived
John was born and raised in Statesville where his father ran a successful furniture store. Following graduation from UNC Chapel Hill where he majored in economics and Navy services, John would serve two years of active duty followed by 30 years of reserve duty in the U.S. Navy. While at Chapel Hill, he was in NROTC, the Scabbard and Blade as well as the KA fraternity.
Following his active duty with the Navy, John returned to his beloved Statesville where he joined his father’s furniture business and began make transformational changes to the way that furniture was marketed to the consumer. He was the first to use consumer catalogues along with telephone and internet marketing. In addition to being president of Blackwelder Furniture Company, he founded John Blackwelder International Export Company and was one of the first to market American furniture to the European market. He traveled extensively throughout the world and would continue to travel follow his retirement at age 74. While living in Statesville, John’s community service included serving on the Statesville City Council and as mayor pro-tem.
John was a devoted member of Myers Park United Methodist Church where he enjoyed teaching Disciple Bible Classes and was a member of the New Covenant and Logos Sunday School Classes. He participated in several mission trips to Haiti. John was also an accomplished private pilot. A passionate and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, John will be remembered for his love of life, his family, and his many friends.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 18, at Myers Park United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends in the Jubilee Hall, following the service.
Memorials may be sent to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204, 704-641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service
In the presence of his devoted family, John Norris Blackwelder, 86, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at the Atrium Health Medical Center. He was the proud offspring of Thelma Godby Blackwelder and Norris Monroe Blackwelder, both of Statesville. John is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sara (Sally)…