Robert L ("Bob"/”Opossum”) Blackwell, Jr., died unexpectedly on December 24, 2016, at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC, at the age of 64. Bob is survived by his wife, Debra S Blackwell of Myrtle Beach, SC; children, Kristin Foster (Jason) of Clarksville, TN, and Brendan Blackwell (Mary) of Beaufort, NC. Bob is also survived by his beloved grandchildren. Bob also leaves behind many close friends who loved him like a brother from his years of service with the Durham Public Safety Department, the Durham Fire Department and the Durham County Sheriff’s Department as well as new-found friends made in Myrtle Beach.

He and Debbe retired to Myrtle Beach in 2014.

Bob was born on February 2, 1952 in Durham, NC and graduated from NC State University in 1975 with a degree in criminal justice. He married Debbe, who he referred to as his LOML, (love of my life), in 1976.

His children remember him as strict and loving as well as a fierce supporter who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and face life’s challenges head-on. He held high expectations for those around him and higher expectations for himself; he was a true man of honor.