John Walker Blackwood

John Walker Blackwood, 76, of Bessemer City, passed away on August 25, 2015, at Caromont Regional Medical Center, Gastonia. He was born December 30, 1938, in Gaston County, son of the late John Alexander Blackwood and Clarine McDaniel Blackwood. Mr. Blackwood was a member of Ragan Wesleyan Church, Gastonia. He was a captain in the US Army, where he served for ten years and two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the "Older but Better" bowling league. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Greene Funeral Service, West Chapel, 216 Archie Whitesides Rd. Gastonia, officiated by the Rev. John Harper. The family will receive friends 1:00 -1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia, with military honors provided by the Gaston County Honor Guard. Mr. Blackwood is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne Hannah Blackwood; son, Barry Walker Blackwood and wife Jodi; daughter, Deborah Blackwood Foster and husband Rob; sisters, Frances Dunaway, Brenda Ivey and husband Pete, Barbara Maney and partner Nelda Hanna; grandchildren, Zach Blackwood, Brianna and Brett Foster. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Reynolds. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent the Ragan Wesleyan Church 535 Oates Rd. Gastonia, NC 28052 Arrangements are with the West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.