Rodger Blackwell

Blackwell, Rodger Allen passed away Tuesday, May 5th 2009 at Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond, VA. Rodger is survived by two sisters, Doris B Custalow of Disputanta, VA, Lois B. Harrison of Tacoma, Washington. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law Natalie B. Blackwell & Susan Blackwell. Rodger was predeceased in death by his father Harmon Eli Blackwell and mother Nellie Blackwell Golladay, two brothers Eli James Blackwell and Kenneth Lee Blackwell. Rodger was born December 18, 1945, raised in the Shenandoah Valley and graduated from Central High School in Woodstock, VA. Rodger attended Shepherd College in West Virginia before serving in the US Air Force. He returned to Woodstock, VA where he owned and operated Blackwellâ??s Financial Service for many years. Rodger also coached a girlsâ?? slow pitch softball team, â??Rodgerâ??s Dodgersâ?, and was very instrumental in ensuring accessibility to town facilities for disabled residents. Rodger retired from his business and relocated to Disputanta, VA to be closer to his family, where he resided until his passing. He will be greatly missed by numerous family and friends. He was a beloved uncle to his niece Teresa B Waggoner (Scott) and nephews Curtis Blackwell (Susan), Todd Custalow (Danielle), Doug Blackwell (Ariane), Joseph H. Harrison III, James Blackwell Harrison (Jodi), Rodger Blackwell Harrison (Lauren). Rodger was also a great uncle to Lauren & Carolyn Blackwell, Zachary Harrison, Natalie Waggoner, Connor Custalow and Sandra & John Griffith. Rodger was a great mentor to his family, and an inspiration to all those whose lives he touched. Rodger never allowed his disabilities to limit his interests in life and the lives of those he loved. He treasured his independence and inspired all of his family and friends to live life to the fullest.The family wishes to thank Dr. Kenneth Moore, Mike Brown, PA, and the rest of the staff at McGuire Spinal Cord Injury Unit for their wonderful and compassionate care for 39 years, especially in the last week of his life. In lieu of a memorial service, the family plans a celebration of Rodgerâ??s life in the near future. Donations may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086// www.SupportVeterans.org/1-800-555-9140 ) for those who wish to honor Rodgerâ??s memory. The family is being served by the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Condolences to the family may be posted at www.jtmorriss.com .