Bruce Blackwell

Bruce W. Blackwell, 74, passed away Friday, March 18, 2022, at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Bruce was born November 1, 1947, in El Dorado, Arkansas to Charles and Dorothea Blackwell.  He was raised and attended school there graduating from El Dorado High School in 1965.  He began his college education at the Arkansas Polytechnic College (now Arkansas Tech University) in Russellville, Arkansas and then continued his education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he graduated with a degree in Engineering.

After a very successful career that took him to Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina and the last thirty years in Manhattan, New York, along with numerous trips abroad, he retired to Jonesboro, Arkansas, to be with his family.  During retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at a local hospital, church activities, landscaping, walking his dog, Luke, spending time with his great-grandchildren, attending Arkansas State University sports events and watching all University of Arkansas Razorback athletic events.

He was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his daughter, Lorre Gookin (Gary); grandchildren, Erica Gookin Collins (Chris), Emma Gookin Mason (Taylor), and Alex Gookin; and five great-grandchildren.  Bruce is also survived by his brother, Phillip Blackwell; sister, Janelle Davis (Bill) and several nephews and nieces.

Services will be private.  Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation to the KIF1A.org nonprofit organization, the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.