Paul Houston Blackwell Jr.

Dr. Paul Houston Blackwell, Jr., LTC-Retired, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Paul became a Christian at an early age and loved the Lord Jesus Christ, his family, and his country. He was born and raised on the Southside of Birmingham, Alabama and went to Ramsey High School until he joined the U.S. Navy at age 17.

Paul served in the U.S. Navy at the conclusion of World War II and the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, Armor. He graduated from the University of Maryland while serving in the Army. He completed the U.S. Army Language School becoming fluent in Russian, and the Army Command and General Staff College.

After retiring from the Army in 1970, Dr. Blackwell attended graduate school at Auburn University. Upon completing the Master's and Doctoral degrees in 1973, he became director of the Evening and Off Campus programs at Alexander City State College and established a two-year college program in the state prison system at Draper and Tutwiler prisons. He was then appointed assistant dean at UAB Special Studies Program. He retired from UAB in 1992 and was then appointed dean of Metro College at Samford University.

After six years at Samford, Dr. Blackwell retired in 1998. Following his retirement from Samford, Paul worked for five years at his home church, Metropolitan Church of God, where he setup and worked the Computerized Reservation Programs.

Paul's love for his family was evident when he asked his widowed mother-in-law, Mildred, to come live with he and Nancy for 28 years. His compassion and kindness is spoken by son, daughter-in-law, grandsons, and great-grandsons in so many ways. His love for the Lord spoke volumes in his interactions with family.

While living at Stillwaters on Lake Martin and serving as director of programs at Alexander City State College, Paul and three other men from Dadeville established a non-denominational church called New Covenant Church in 1974. The four elders took turns giving the message each Sunday for several years until they brought in a full-time pastor. The church is still in Dadeville and thriving within the community.

Many happy times were spent at Auburn football games with David, Sandy, and the two grandchildren, Kelly and Chris, and at the Lake Martin home. Wonderful memories were also spent with Paul's great-grandsons, Tanner, Christian, and Luke - living just 10 houses down the street was a blessing as Paul was so closely involved in everyday activities with both grandkids and great-grandsons.

Paul is survived by Nancy, his beloved wife of 72 years; son, David Houston Blackwell ( Sandy); granddaughter, Kelly Blackwell Tortorice (Tommy); grandson, Christopher Houston Blackwell (Alana); and great-grandsons, Tanner Reed Blackwell, Christian Paul Blackwell, and Luke Totorice.

Dr. Blackwell was preceded in death by his father, Paul Houston Blackwell, Sr.; his mother, Eleanor Cobb Blackwell; and his brothers, James Warren Blackwell and Edmund Phillips Blackwell ( Lynda). He is survived by his sister, Barbara Blackwell Simmons.

Paul's love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his daily walk with the Lord will be an everlasting legacy with his family.

A Service of Remembrance will be Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Metropolitan Church, 2800 Metropolitan Way, Birmingham, AL 35243. Following the church service, the gravesite committal and interment will be at 2 p.m. at Alabama National Cemetery, 3133 Highway 119 South, Montevallo, AL 35115.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for the Blackwell family.