Clifford Albert Blackwell

Clifford A. Blackwell of Quitman, Texas, passed away surrounded by his family on May 2, 2015 in Tyler, Texas. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street. A visitation with the family will be Wednesday, May 6, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Cliff was born on June 30, 1933 to Finis and Lela Blackwell. He spent most of his life in and around the Abilene area, except for a few years spent in Dallas and Houston. He moved to Quitman in 2000.

He married Helen Patterson on January 10, 1953. Later that year, he joined the U.S. Army, where he was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served 18 months in Salzburg, Austria with the 532nd Engineer Battalion. After his discharge from the Army, he returned to Abilene where he became a route salesman for Jewel T Groceries. In 1965, he went to work for Lewis Wheat and Sons, which later became ISI refrigeration. He worked there for 34 years as a refrigeration technician until his retirement as branch manager.

Cliff's favorite pastime was spending time with family and good friends. He enjoyed visiting and story telling, which he was a master at. He was also the best bar-b-que cook and loved finding and trying out new recipes with his family.

After Helen's death, he met Brenda Carol Tyler and they were married in October 1998. They spent their time together traveling and enjoying life.

Cliff was preceded in death by his wife Helen, daughter Kenny, son-in-law Dennis, two sisters, Louise and Lorene, and his very dear friend Harlan Lang. He is survived by six daughters; Marti Martin of Abilene, Lisa McGinnett and husband Paul of Palisade, Colorado, Shannon Walker and husband Bobby of Abilene, Angie Sanchez and husband Tom of Waxahachie, and Lisa Caperton and husband Dan of Clyde; one son, Greg Murdoch of Midland; twelve grandchildren; Robert Rabe and wife Tina, Carl Rabe, Clifford Ray Blackwell and wife Stephanie, Bonnie Malone and husband Ben, Benjamin Malone and wife Jerriann, Charlie and Neisha McGinnett, April Martin and husband Ronny, Bryan Blackwell, Brian Spears and wife Amy, Elizabeth Caperton and Kaylee Sanchez; fourteen great grandchildren; Bo, Madison, Jaxson, Soumaya, Zayden, Micheal, Makiyla, Nathaniel, Andrew, Callie, Jana, Lily, Abbygail and Wesley. He is also survived by long time family friend, Lynn Lang.

Cliff touched many people throughout his 81 years of life, and he will be truly missed.

Condolences to the family can be offered online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.