On Thursday, August 10, 2023, Michael Duane Blackwell, devoted husband and father of two beloved sons, died at his home in Irmo, SC. He finished the race God had set before him and met his Savior face-to-face preceding in death his loving wife of 53 years, Delaine Price Blackwell, his elder son and wife, Christopher Michael and Jessica Marin Blackwell and their six children, Ezra, Eliza, Eli, Ezekiel, Evangeline and Ever; his younger son and wife, Jason Clinton and Crystal Ransford Blackwell and their three children, Ellie, Reese and Sadie.
Mike was born on October 8, 1947, in Spartanburg, SC to Roy Lee Olin Blackwell and Earline Littlefield Blackwell. He grew up on the Apalache Mill Village in Greer, South Carolina, where his passion for playing baseball was birthed and where he met his best friend’s sister, Delaine Price, the love of his life. They were married on June 20, 1970. Graduating from Greer High School in 1965, Mike went on to the Citadel where he played on the baseball and golf teams and graduated in 1969. He then began a career in marketing with Southern Bell and AT&T. This led him into an adventure in telecommunications, fiber-optic networks, venture capital investing and start-up companies. After his retirement from the corporate world, Mike opened Christian bookstores and enjoyed serving as a Vice President at Columbia International University. He was an avid reader and also the author of three books: Cross Eyed; The Bloodstained Wall: A Modern Day Adaptation of the Book of Nehemiah and Remember Now Thy Creator in the Days of Thy Youth: The Religious Heritage of The Citadel.
If you were to ask Mike what his greatest achievement was, he would say it was his family and his involvement in his church and Christian causes. He was known for his bright mind, his fascinating stories, his “one liners” and his quick wit. He loved movies and music. He was happiest when his nine grandchildren came to Papa’s lake house for the day or went with him to a movie or the State Fair. He found great joy in supporting the Bible Study ministries Delaine was a part of and the Israel Study Tours she led through her ministry, Joy of Abiding.
A service to celebrate God’s faithfulness in Mike’s life will be held on Friday, August 18th at First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia SC at 10 o’clock, with visitation following in Jackson Hall at the church.
Burial and a graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 19th, in Greer, SC at Wood Memorial Park at 11 o’clock.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a memorial gift to The Omnibus Classroom in Cayce, SC. Donations can be made by contacting Chris Blackwell at [email protected] or at omnibusclassroom.com.
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth. Ecclesiastes 12:1