Mr. Robert Joe Blackwell, 77, of 607 Salisbury Road, Statesville, passed away at Gordon Hospice House, Statesville, on Thursday, December 22, 2016. He was born in Hartwell, Ga., on January 8, 1939, and was the son of the late John Henry Blackwell and Bessie Lee Jones Blackwell. He was married to Gertrude Rucker Blackwell, who preceded him death. He was also preceded in death by a son, Robert Joe Blackwell, Jr.; four brothers and three sisters.

He was graduate of the Hartwell, Ga. School System and a member of Highland Acres Church of Christ. Robert, was affectionately known as, "Uncle Robert", to many. He worked at J.C Penney's as a custodian for twelve years, until they closed.

Mr. Blackwell leaves to cherish the memory of his life, a son, Elliotte Blackwell of Charlotte; a daughter, Robin (William) Rucker of Statesville; two brothers, Emerson Blackwell and James (Victoria) Blackwell, both of Statesville; three sisters, Helen Vinson of Macon, Ga., Sarah Horne and Dana McGullough, both of Statesville; a grandson, Derrick Jermale Smith; three great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, neighbors, church family and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Friday, December 30, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Acres Church of Christ. Brother Al Simmons will officiate and burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery.

Mr. Blackwell will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 12:00 p.m. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 until 1:00, but will assemble at the residence at other times.

Visit Mr. Blackwell website at rutledgeandbigham.com. Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary, Inc., Statesville is serving the Blackwell family.