Gerald "Jerry" E. Blackwell

Gerald E. "Jerry" Blackwell, 89, of Summerville, SC, husband of Rosamond N. "Roz" Blackwell, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

Graveside Services will be Saturday afternoon, February 20, 2021 at 1 o'clock in Summerville Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 o'clock until 8 o'clock at Parks Funeral Home. Out of respect for the family and friends, masks are required, and we ask for everyone to practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jerry's name may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church Operating Budget, Jerry Blackwell Memorial Fund at Gahagan Park, or Jerry Blackwell Sports Complex.

Jerry was born May 14, 1931 in Darlington, SC, a son of the late John Murray Blackwell and Jessie Camilla Caston Blackwell. He dedicated his time working as the City Planner to make the Town of Summerville a better place. He loved all sports and helping others. Jerry was an original member of the Summerville Sertoma Club and also a member of the American Legion. He was instrumental in the planning and building of Wassamassaw Park, Jessen Boat Landing, and Gahagan Park, where the Sports Complex was named after him. He started the building of the wall in the canal on Main Street and was involved in all public concession stands at the ball fields.

In addition to his wife, Roz Blackwell of Summerville, SC, Jerry leaves behind his sons, Bradford Z. "Brad" Blackwell (Lona) and Mickey G. Blackwell (Sissy), all of Summerville, SC; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Jessie Blackwell; sister, Peggy Lou Coffren; and brother, John Edwin Blackwell.

Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483. www.parksfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald "Jerry" E. Blackwell, please visit our floral store.