Julian R. "J.R." Blackwell

WOODFIN - Julian Rufus J.R. Blackwell, 84, of 80 Pelzer Street, went to be with his Lord Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the home of his son. A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he was a Master Carpenter and a member of Newbridge Baptist Church. J.R. was a son of the late Olie Rufus and Mary Emma Corbet Blackwell and the husband of Ava Lee Hoyle Blackwell who died Jan. 20, 1999. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joletha West formerly of Weaverville and brother, Earl Blackwell formerly of Woodfin. Surviving are his daughter, Sandra Diane Gosnell and husband, Joe of Woodfin; son, Donald Wayne Don Blackwell and wife, Kathleen of Asheville; 4 granddaughters, Selena Saucier of Asheville, Brandy Maynor of Leicester, Carrie Gunter of Arden and Kira Jade Blackwell of Asheville; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Rose Allison of Kinston; brother, Burnice Eugene Gene Blackwell and wife, Ruth of Arden and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Thursday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with the Rev. Darrell McClaren officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.