—Donald Dean Blackwell, 74, of Mill Spring, NC passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019.Donald was born to the late Burton and Lula Cowart Blackwell. He was a life-long resident of Polk County and retired from the NCDOT after 25 years of service. Donald was a member of Mill Spring First Baptist Church in Mill Spring, NC. His family will always remember and admire how he fought a courageous battle against his illness the last few years.In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Blackwell; two sisters, Cleo Furledge and Betty Ward and one brother, Clifford Blackwell.Surviving is one daughter, Heather Blackwell of Landrum, SC; two brothers, Broadus Blackwell of Landrum, SC and Michael Blackwell of Columbus, NC; three sisters, Louise Sawyer of Landrum, SC, Evelyn Farmer of Campobello, SC and Reba Williams of Mill Spring, NC and three grandchildren, Isabella Salinas, Bryson Salinas and Braeden Salinas. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.The family wishes to thank Donald's caregiver, Chasity McDowell, who provided exceptional care and support for him during his illness.A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2019 at McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon, NC.A funeral will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Mill Spring First Baptist Church in Mill Spring, NC with Rev. Royce "Chuck" Mullinax officiating.Burial will follow at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Mill Spring, NC.
To
to the family, please