Dr. Wayne Blackwood, 83

Dr. Wayne H. Blackwood, 83, of Ellenboro, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023 at home after complications from surgery.

He was born in Gaffney, SC, a son of the late Will and Vergie Mae Blackwood. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary Alice Blackwood and a grandson, Devin McDowell.

After serving in the US Marine Corps, he married his wife of 63 years and became a barber. Wayne answered God's call and graduated from Mars Hill College, going on to his Master's and Doctorate degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisiana. He began his pastorate career at a small church in Tylertown, MS while still in seminary. After graduation, he moved to Pisgah Forest Baptist Church in western North Carolina; moving to Grace Baptist Church in Gastonia briefly, before moving to Bethel Baptist Church in Ellenboro - where he called home and eventually retired from.

Wayne had dozens of mission trips both in the United States and overseas, traveling to Brazil, South Africa, and China. After retiring, he continued his pastorate working and serving as interim in several churches.

Dr. Blackwood's favorite mission was the young people, both in his church and in the community. He began serving as the Chaplain for East Rutherford High School's football team in 1992 and did so until 2017, missing only a few games during that time.

A devout Man of God, he was a devoted and loving husband and father, he will be missed by many.

Dr. Blackwood is survived by his son, Scott Blackwood and his wife Kerrie, of Cliffside; his daughters, Donna Hewitt and her husband Jeff, of Cliffside, and Angelia McDowell and her husband Todd, of Rutherfordton; his brother, Tom Blackwood of Hickory Grove, SC; there are five grandchildren, Brandi Reid, Briana Blackwood, Brannon McDowell, Grayson Hewitt and Grant Hewitt; four great grandchildren, Haven Reid, Savannah Reid, Roman Reid, and Lillie Hewitt.

The Funeral will be conducted at 4:30 pm Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Bethel Baptist Church. The Rev. Mike Elgin, Rev. Jerry Mathis, and Rev. Stephen Bright will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Rites rendered by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. Pallbearers are Ted Hawkins, Ronnie Bailey, Scott Bailey, Grayson Hewitt, Grant Hewitt, and Brannon McDowell.

Following the graveside service, the family will receive friends in the church Family Life Center.

Washburn & Dorsey Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.