David Michael Blackwell was born on Oct. 18, 1939, to Ivy Junius Blackwell and Bessie Mae Irby Blackwell in Stacy, North Carolina. He passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 27, 2022.
David graduated from Hargrave Military Academy and the University of Carolina at Chapel Hill where he walked on the baseball team and earned his Law Degree.
During his working years, his career path spanned many professions: lawyer, legislator, Superior Court Clerk, and Executive Director and lobbyist for the NC Academy of Trial Lawyers. He ultimately settled down as Publisher of North Carolina Lawyers Weekly. Under David’s leadership, three Lawyers Weekly publications were established: North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, South Carolina Lawyers Weekly, and Carolina Paralegal News.
While at Lawyers Weekly, his office door was always open, and he made sure to visit each of his employees and friends every day. He not only hired people for their ability, but for their personalities and interests. David was very loyal to employees, quick with praise, and accepted responsibility for any shortcomings.
David loved music and had a great singing voice. Oftentimes one could catch him singing for himself or his son. He especially loved bluegrass; some of his favorite artists were Doc Watson, Tony Rice, and Ricky Skaggs.
He was married to Elizabeth (Beth) Crouch Blackwell, and had one son, David Michael Blackwell Jr. in 1987.
David is predeceased by his mother, father, brother and sisters. He is survived by his brother Curtis, wife Beth, son David, daughter in-law Gina, many nieces, nephews and his many friends he made over his professional career.
A celebration of life will be held in Wilmington, NC, at Saint James Parrish on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Donations can be made in honor of David to a Pawsitive Mission ℅ Pawsability, www.paws-ability.org
