Mr. Joseph "Denis" Blackwelder's Obituary
Mr. Joseph Denis Blackwelder of Old Hickory, Tennessee passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021 at the age of 72. He was born on January 6, 1949 in Concord, North Carolina to the late Joe and Jane Blackwelder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Stephen Blackwelder and stepson Todd Griffin. He is survived by his loving wife Jacque Shely Blackwelder, stepson Andy Griffin (Terri), grandchildren Baylor, Emory, and McLean Griffin, sister-in-law JoAnne Blackwelder, nieces Sarah vanHaastert (Sanne), and Elizabeth Bronzino, as well as several great nieces and nephews.
Denis received his Political Science and Education degrees from the University of North Carolina in 1971. He spent 34 years in various Human Resources roles beginning at Maloney Enterprises, and progressing to Service Merchandise, Willis North America, Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon and Paradigm Group. He received a life-time achievement award from the Middle Tennessee Society of Human Resource Managers, as well as the James House Williamson Award for his impact across the state.
Having grown up on a farm, Denis loved going back to his childhood home in North Carolina to maintain the property and ride the family tractor mowing “the back 40.” He was passionate about sports, especially the Carolina Tarheels, and his sports cars. Denis loved helping people and gave of his time through volunteer work. He was very involved in Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement Board of Directors. He was on the board for 50 Forward and President of the Cleveland Hall Homeowner’s Association. Denis also regularly donated blood to the American Red Cross, and was recognized in The Tennessean for his giving spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the Blackwelder family has requested that donations in Denis’ memory be made to Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday August 12, 2021 from 4pm-8pm at Spring Hill Funeral Home. On Friday August 13, 2021 at 10am, a Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church. A Committal Service will follow in the Serenity Mausoleum at Historic Spring Hill Funeral Home. At the Blackwelder family’s request, masks will be required at the visitation, service, and committal. Social Distancing is strongly encouraged as well.
Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery has been entrusted with the final care of Mr. Blackwelder. 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615) 865-1101. “Where Nashville Comes to Remember.”
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