Douglas Dean Blackwell

Douglas Dean Blackwell, 71 and lifelong resident of Stone county, passed away November 8th, 2022 at Azalea Gardens in Wiggins. He was born July 17, 1951 in Hattiesburg, MS, the oldest of two boys to Dempsey Douglas and Lanell (Parker) Blackwell. The family resided out on Wire Road East on a small family farm, raising cattle, some chickens, a garden every year, watermelons, and other things with the country life. Doug enjoyed playing outdoors with his brother and building model cars. They rode their bicycles, built forts and huts in the woods, fished, hunted, and all the things that country boys do when their chores were done. They were almost professionals at cutting and splitting firewood for the wood heater, fireplace, and the old pot-bellied stove they had in the home. Doug attended Stone County schools, graduating from Stone High with the Class of 1969, and went on to Mississippi State. He earned his degree in Landscape Architecture in 1974, and spent his entire career in that field. He worked for a couple of companies early on, but eventually became more of a free-lance landscape designer. Doug could take on any project, and turn it into something special, from developing the design to overseeing the install. There are no telling how many projects he completed over the years. In his spare time, he enjoyed keeping abreast of the latest trends in landscaping, and tinkering with old cars. He also enjoyed flying with his brother, who has been a small plane pilot for many years. They flew together as often as possible, flying around South Mississippi and the surrounding area, admiring the views from the air. Occasionally, they would venture off to places like Panama City, Columbia, TN, and others, just to get away for a day or two. He is remembered as always being there for his brother, a man who enjoyed helping other people in any way he could. A Christian by faith, Doug was a member at First Baptist Church in Wiggins, where he attended and served for many years. He will be forever missed by all whose life he touched. Doug was preceded by his father, Dempsey Blackwell, his mother and step-father, Lanell (Clint) Hickman. Left to cherish his memories are: his only brother, Rodney Blackwell of Gulfport; his niece Brandy (Will) Hines of Spring Hill, TN. With no children of his own, Dough thought the world of his great-nieces and nephews: R.J. and Nathan Reeves, Erica Reeves, Braxton Reeves, and Rebecca Reeves, all of TN. Friends and family will be received for visitation on Saturday, November 19th, 2022, from 9:00 AM at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. A chapel service will begin at 11:00 and afterward, Doug will be laid to rest in the Blackwell Cemetery in the Success community. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Blackwell family in their time of need, asking that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.