Larry E. Blackwell, Sr.

REIDSVILLE, NC - Mr. Larry Edward Blackwell, Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at his residence.

He was born on June 4, 1941 in Rockingham County to the late Junious and Frances Powell Blackwell. He is the beloved husband of Mrs. Betty Tatum Blackwell who survives.

A viewing will begin on Monday, August 31, 2026 from 12 until 6 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from the Elm Grove Baptist Church in Reidsville. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:30, followed by the service at 2 p.m. Pastor C. Bradley Hunt, II will officiate and Dr. Clarence Johnson will serve as eulogist.

The committal and interment will follow in Greenview Cemetery, Reidsville, NC.

All other times, the family will receive friends at the home - 1886 Amos Street, Reidsville, NC.

Larry Edward Blackwell Sr., the second child born to Deacon Junious I. Blackwell and Mother Frances P. Blackwell, transitioned from this life to eternal rest on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, peacefully at his residence.

Larry began his employment journey while attending high school, delivering newspapers throughout the Pennrose and Courtland Avenue communities. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School with the Class of 1958. He continued his education through work-based training at Cone Mills’ White Oak Division, where he earned his certification as a machine mechanic/fixer. Larry dedicated 45 years of service to Cone Mills in Greensboro, North Carolina.

While working full-time at Cone Mills, Larry also worked part-time at Creighton Shirt Factory in Reidsville, North Carolina. Following his retirement, he worked at the City of Reidsville’s Penn Center until his health began to decline.

Larry, affectionately known as ‘Larry B,’ gave his heart to Christ at an early age and became a faithful member of Elm Grove Missionary Baptist Church. During his years of service at Elm Grove, he participated in Sunday School and sang in both the Junior Choir and the Gospel Choir. In his senior years, he became a dedicated member of the Culinary Ministry. With his quiet demeanor and steadfast commitment to the church, Larry served diligently and with valor. His faithful service was a blessing to the ministry. He also served as a member of the church security team until his health became a challenge.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Deacon Junious I. Blackwell and Mother Frances P. Blackwell; and his brothers, Irvin J. Blackwell (Gladys) and retired United States Air Force SMSgt. James D. Blackwell.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his loving wife, Betty T. Blackwell; his daughters, Lady Jackie Bracken (the Reverend Dr. David Bracken) and Dr. Marissa Blackwell; his son, Larry Blackwell Jr.; his grandchildren, Charryse B. Jones, Paul Totten III (Clarissa), and Gesenia Blackwell of California; his great-grandchild, Titus D. Jones; his sister, Delores B. Jones; his sisters-in-love, Mary A. Blackwell of Tampa, Florida and Virginia Johnson, Greensboro, NC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Service by McLaurin-Harris