Eldridge 'El' Blackwell

Eldridge I. “El”, 87, of Greer, widower of Edna Wood Blackwell, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family.

El was born in Holly Springs, the son of the late R.F. “Uncle Bob” and Cecilia Gosnell Blackwell. He was a graduate of Greer High School; retired from Homelite Textron in 1989 after 30 years of service; retired Minister of Music at Ebenezer Welcome Baptist Church, Landrum, in October, 2011; lead singer of the former Foothills Boys Quartet; past president and lifetime member (with perfect attendance) of the Tyger River Ruritan Club for over 40 years; and a member of Apalache Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Tommy Blackwell (Sandra), of Greer; one daughter, Dottie Spencer (Steve),  of Greer; grandchildren, Ondra Blackwell-Hall (Todd), Bryan Bradley and Christa Spencer Tompkins (Edward); great-grandchildren, Jordan and Jonathan Hall, Chris and Chase Bradley, Mason and Gracie Tompkins; one great-great grandchild, Luke Hall; and three sisters, Iva Wood, Ernestine Scroggs and Hilda Morris, all of Greer.

Mr. Blackwell was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Spencer; brothers, Connon, Woodrow, Virgil, Durham, Grover and Rochelle Blackwell; sisters, Bertha Lance, Ruth Smith, Allaree Armstrong, Maggie Armstrong, and Frances Stewart.

The family received friends on Friday, May 22, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. at Wood Mortuary. Funeral services were Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Apalache Baptist Church. Burial followed at Wood Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, 29680 or Apalache Baptist Church, 1915 Gap Creek Road, Greer, SC 29651.

The family is at the residence.

Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.