Billy McClain Blackwelder of Roanoke Rapids, NC went home to be with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, on December 3, 2024 at the age of 97.

He grew up in the Steele Creek area outside of Charlotte, NC. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was a Disabled American Veteran. His career in mechanical engineering spanned over forty years from North Carolina to Texas. He was a barber to many in the Steele Creek area as well. He enjoyed woodworking, making furniture and a good game of golf. He was a member of Rosemary Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Blackwelder, parents Monroe and Effie, brothers Hilliard, Marvin, Fred, and James, and sister Lucy Osborne, his mother in law, Etta Harris, and  his brother and sisters-in-law, Herman and Gladys Crump, and Carolyn Morgan. 

He is survived by his daughters, Dianne Hart and husband, Ray of Raleigh, NC and Debbie Blackwelder of Roanoke Rapids, NC; grandchildren, Michael Hart, wife Andrea, and children, Jonathan, Sarah, and Matthew; Joey Hart and wife, Amber and children, Joshua, Caleb, Anna, and Madeline. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service will be held on December 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Flint Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Fort Mill, SC with his nephew, Reverend Jim Blackwelder, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan's Purse or Baptists on Mission Disaster Relief Ministry.