Curtis Blackwell (Courtesy)

Otto, NC — Curtis Blackwell, husband to Glenda Rogers Blackwell, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Born in Westminster, SC, he was the son of the late Leland and Nora Burton Blackwell. Curtis was a graduate of Westminster High School, class of 1960. Curtis dedicated much of his life to serving his community in various meaningful ways. He was one of the early members of the Long Creek, SC area Fire Department and Search and Rescue Team where he assisted in recovery efforts along the Chattooga River during his years of service. After moving to Rabun County, he became involved with the Clayton Fire Department, further continuing his commitment to public service. He also played a key role in establishing the Cherchero Fire Department, working alongside county employees and local leaders and ultimately serving as Fire Chief.

Curtis attended the Prentiss Church, where he participated in the music department, sang in the Bluegrass Quartet, and performed in Christmas and Easter musicals.

Curtis enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and interests throughout his life, including music, motorcycles, semi-pro baseball, bowling, golfing, and racing go-karts. He was a devoted sports fan who loved attending Rabun County High School football and basketball games, as well as cheering on the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs. Known for his passionate involvement from the stands, he was on occasion escorted from games by authorities for loudly and enthusiastically offering his commentary to referees.

Music was a lifelong calling for Curtis—he began singing with family in church, played in the Westminster High School string band, and was a member of The Sunshine Melody Boys and played with them at the Grand Ole Opry in 1960. He later formed Curtis Blackwell and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys in 1965, a group that remained active for 60 years, and also performed with Bill Monroe in 1967.

In 1970, he and the Dixie Bluegrass Boys won first place in the band contest at the prestigious Union Grove Fiddler's convention. They recorded in New York City on the Country label. His authentic and distinctive blend of powerful, pure vocals and solid guitar instrumentation formed the foundation for his influential band.

He was officially recognized at the "International Bluegrass Museum" in Owensboro, KY as "Pioneer of Bluegrass Music & one of the Bluegrass Boys" September 2010. He attended the Reunion of the Bluegrass Boys from all across the country. He was presented with pictures of the Father of Bluegrass Music and a custom-made commemorative belt buckle. Curtis performed on stage in Owensboro with other former band members of Monroe's Legendary Bluegrass Boys during filming for the Museum's video archives.

He was presented a Certificate of Award November 28, 2015, from the "Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame" that he has been placed with the highest of honors in the hall of Fame in recognition of outstanding contributions and distinguished achievements in "The Hillbilly-Country-Western-Gospel Music Industry".

He was recognized by Oconee State Park for playing the Square Dance for 45+ years August 2024. The Certificate of Appreciation and an official SC State Park Ranger Hat was presented by Thomas Alexander, Oconee County State Senator.

Curtis played Bluegrass Festivals all over the Southeast and as far west as Dixon, MO and played the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, TN. He had two tours in Ireland in 2012 and 2014. He played many benefits for people in need and also for funerals of family and friends.

Curtis's children would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Glenda's family for all their help over the years. Their help made it possible for Curtis to spend his final days in the comfort of his home.

In addition to his wife, Curtis is survived by his 6 children, Terry Blackwell (Tressa) Of Hartwell, GA, Victor Blackwell (Leslie) of Westminster, SC, Lynne Ramey of Tiger, GA, Tina Blackwell of Clayton, GA, Shane Blackwell (Laura) of Clayton, GA and Amy Owens (Lindsey) Of Clayton, GA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Lee Blackwell (Kelly), Austin Blackwell (Jessica), Savannah Dixon (Marty), Andrew Blackwell (Toni), Bonnie McDonald (Andy), Evan Blackwell (Leah), Nathan Ramey (Anna), Timothy Thompson (Jessica), Chase Groom (Candace), Alexis Smith (Patrick) Emily Thompson, Ashlynn Blackwell, Jaycee & Jayda Bearden, AddyBeth Owens, Natalie Ramey, Kassidy, Laeton & Kamden Blackwell, Hayes Blackwell; Leanne Hopper (Rick) & Trey Chafin, (Brittany & Chase Radford). Great grandchildren, Karlee, Kooper, Karis & Kaleb Blackwell; Brook & Cole Blackwell; Mattie, Maci & Cultis Dixon; Killian, Kase & Kamryn Blackwell; Cashtyn, Dalis, Eliza, Fisher & Gannon McDonald; Ezra & Evelyn Ramey; Brody, Rylan & Payton Thompson; Beau Wood & Luke Radford; Carson & Charlotte Groom; Ashlynn Hopper; Akira Smith, A very special family friend, Timmy Turpin.

Sister-in-law: Louise Blackwell

Nieces & Nephews: Gary, Micky, Nancy, Sidney, Jeff Blackwell; Phyllis Frady, Jerry Sanders, Kaye Matheson.

Preceded in death by:

Parents: Leland & Nora Burton Blackwell

Brothers: Voadus & Haskell Blackwell (Frankie)

Sisters: Eulala Sanders (Joe Berry), Martha Smith (Levis)

1st Wife: Bonnie McCall Blackwell

Grandson: Ben Wood

Nephew: Richard Blackwell

Curtis was a people person, he loved his family, friends and music fans.

When he was about age five to six years old, he told his Marna that when he got big, he was going to work at the hospital and didn't want money he would take babies for his pay. With age he realized life don't work that way. But, he still made it happen and now has 70+ in his immediate family.

A funeral service will be held 4:00 PM Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Prentiss Church of God. Burial will follow in the Wright Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Prentiss Church of God.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Blackwell family.

“Hunter Funeral Home is posting this obituary as a courtesy for the family of Curtis Blackwell.”