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David Blackwell Obituary
April 22, 2025
David Blackwell, 74 of Murfreesboro went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. David is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Norma Blackwell of Johnson City, TN and is survived by his loving wife Marie of 53 years, brother Steven Blackwell of Alexandria, VA, daughters Jill (David) Johnson and Beth Hardiman, grandchildren Corby (fiancée Reagan Sapp) and Landon Johnson, and Reece and Bella Hardiman.
David was originally from Johnson City, TN and was a 1973 graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He met his wife, Marie at ETSU. David's career began with Washington County Sherriff's Department where he worked his way through school. He spent the majority of his 43-year career in law enforcement as a Special Agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation where he retired in 2000 after 27 years of service with the state. He spent 13 years as a Murfreesboro City Police Officer, officially retiring in July of 2014. He served his state and his community as a humble servant leader.
He was a charter member of One Church Calvary where he served on the security team and as traffic control using his training from his career to serve his church community. David loved his family, his grandchildren and grand dogs. He loved walking his schnauzer Marci Belle, his favorite furry companion, coffee, going to the gym and watching instructional YouTube videos.
David Blackwell was humble, generous and incredibly quick-witted. We will celebrate his life on Saturday, April 26 with receiving of friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm with the service following at noon located at One Church Calvary. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to One Church Calvary Capital Projects Fund and an online guestbook is available for the Blackwell family at www.woodfinchapel.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Blackwell
Sponsored by Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro.
Butch Morris
May 12, 2025
Marie,
I am so sorry I could not be at David’s celebration of life.
I am out of the country.
I tried to sign the guest book but couldn’t while I’m gone.
I want you to know that David was one of the first agents and one of the first friends I had at TBI.
I always cherished his friendship.
I will always remember the great cases we worked together and most of all the great friendship that we had when not working.
If I can do anything at all, please let me know.
David, from all your NARC brothers, we will see you on the other side.
BUTCH MORRIS
Linda Freeman
April 28, 2025
Thoughts & prayers for David's family & friends. I attended Fairmont School (4th, 5th & 6th grade) with David. He was a nice guy even way back then. I am sorry for your loss.
Beth (Laws) Savage
April 28, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about your dad, Jill. I know we lost touch several years ago but I saw the obituary in the local paper and wanted to send my love to your family.
Dennis Couch
April 28, 2025
Bless this Family. He was always top notch and dedicated to his calling. I had the great opportunity to see his wisdom in Jonesborough. I will see David again!
Susan Gard
April 26, 2025
I am so sorry about David, he came in often to the vet clinic where I work, he was so kind, and will be missed. My prayers for his family and sweet dog Marci.
David Barnes
April 26, 2025
David and I met years ago while working drug cases that crossed from NC to Tennessee. We became friends. It was so very easy to be David's Brother. He was easier to work with than many agents in my own Bureau (NCSBI). I'm certain that he and I will talk again. Until that day rest, talk, joke and be ready for company.
Larry Frye
April 26, 2025
So sorry to hear of David's passing. I met David in 1974 and was proud to be a colleague and friend. I am so happy that I got to see him just a few days ago. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family especially Marie. Marie and family I will keep you in my prayers. He will be missed by many but not forgotten.
Thomas Frye
April 25, 2025
I was sorry to learn about your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, David and I worked together when I was living in Asheville, N.C. and working as an Agent with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation. We had lost touch with each other over the years but I recall him being an outstanding Agent and easy to work with.
Susan Smithson Barnes
April 25, 2025
My sincere condolences. David and I worked at the TBI. He was such a kind hearted person. I will sure miss catching up with him at our yearly bureau functions, my prayers for comfort and healing to his family and friends.
Cindy Newman-Younger
April 25, 2025
I am so very sorry for you and your family‘s loss. My deepest sympathies are with you all and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your sweet father rest in peace God bless you all.
COM David W. Purkey
April 24, 2025
David and I were TBI Agents at the same time and I reconnected w him through close friends in Murfreesboro, particularly retired MPD Officer Eddie Burgess, when I returned to Nashville w Governor Haslam’s administration. David was always fun to talk w and his 30 years at the TBI were impactful and valued. I was stunned when Eddie called me here in East Tennessee to break the news.
Rest in peace, ole friend; you left your mark on this state, your city, friends, and family. You will be surely missed
COM David W. Purkey [RTD]
Commissioner of Safety
State of Tennessee
Brenda Cole
April 24, 2025
To David's family..so sorry for your loss. I remember when David and Marie and Jill and Beth were our neighbors when the girls were small kids and played with mine 2..Tammy and Randy.. love and prayers for all.. Brenda Cole
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