Ernest Ray Blackwell (74) passed away peacefully at home, after a brief illness, on Saturday, April 12, 2014 in Raleigh.

Ernest was born on May 31, 1939 in Robeson County, NC to Forney and Sarah Blackwell. After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he was hired by Victor O. Schinnerer & Co. where he worked throughout his career as Vice President. In 1967, he married Patricia Gail Cochrane and they raised their two children, Wendy Elizabeth and Peter Christopher. He and Gail were married 46 years. He was a devoted father, a loving husband, and a lifelong fan of the UNC Tarheels. Following retirement, he and Gail moved to Raleigh, NC.

He is survived by his wife and children; his sister, Pauline Strickland; his sister-in-law, Evelyn Blackwell; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 5pm to 7pm. A graveside service will be conducted by Rev. Tommy Lewis at Gardens of Faith Cemetery, 5190 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC on Wednesday April 16 at 11:30am.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to March of Dimes, 6504 Falls of Neuse Rd, Suite #100, Raleigh NC 27615. Flowers are appreciated.