Thomas Ray Blackwell Sr.'s Obituary
“Live each day with honest work and room for a little fun.” – a simple idea Tommy shared often.
Thomas Ray Blackwell, Sr., known to everyone as Tommy, was born on August 9th, 1938, in Nashville, Tennessee, and closed a vibrant chapter in the same city on August 12th, 2025. He filled every year in between with energy, curiosity, and a drive to help others thrive.
Life’s highlights spilled out wherever Tommy went. As a respected salesman with Home Beneficial Life Insurance for more than 41 years, he guided countless families through important decisions with his trademark honesty and care. Away from the office, his eye for opportunity led him to build a successful real-estate venture in and around Nashville, turning houses into homes for many neighbors.
Tommy’s free time was an open field of sports, music, and adventure. He sang gospel harmonies with his brothers in church, kept Elvis and classic country on repeat, and never passed up a chance to cast a line. Bass fishing was his favorite, yet salt-water trips or a quiet lake brought him the same joy. When rods were stowed, a golf club or bowling ball was in his hands, and more than a few trophies followed him home. Speed also called his name; Nashville Speedway fans remember him behind the wheel of “Little Tom,” always grinning under his helmet.
A 32nd-degree Mason and proud member of the Al Menah Shrine, Tommy offered steady leadership, volunteer hours, and friendly conversation wherever help was needed. His family recalls beach vacations filled with early-morning casts, afternoon golf rounds, and evenings swapping stories that stretched well past sunset.
Friends describe him in five quick words: resilient, hardworking, honest, organized, and generous. Those traits, paired with a playful spirit for ️sports, ️outdoor fun, and music, shaped a life that felt both grounded and adventurous.
Tommy leaves behind a simple yet powerful legacy: work hard, stay true, and make room for the hobbies that light you up. As we gather to celebrate his beautiful life, we remember every handshake, every shared song, and every fishing tip delivered with a smile. May each of us carry forward the energy he poured into family, friends, and community.
Those who have passed on before him are his parents, Alton and Marie Blackwell, children, Tom Blackwell, Jr, and Monica Blackwell, brothers, Charlie Blackwell, Donald Blackwell, and Melvin Blackwell.
He is survived by grandchildren Adam Blackwell and Brett Blackwell, great grandchildren, Daisy and Niko, nieces Sonja Blackwell and Kimberly Ghee, nephews, Cody Blackwell, Steve Blackwell, Ken Blackwell, and Alan Blackwell, a host of special friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his honor to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, https://www.springhillfh.com.
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