The first executive director of ASHS, Cecil Blackwell, died 30 Apr. in Meridian, MS, at age 85. An ASHS member from 1952 to 2010, Blackwell served as executive director from 1965 to 1988. He was named Fellow of the Society in 1977, and Executive Director Emeritus in 1989.
Blackwell was born on 29 Oct. 1924, in Clarke County, MS. After graduation from Clarkdale High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces. After he completed training, he was assigned to the 66th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, based in Shipdham, UK. In the final months of World War II in Europe, Staff Sgt. Blackwell flew eight combat missions over Europe as a waist gunner in a B-24 liberator bomber. He was awarded the Air Medal for his part in these missions.
After his military discharge, Blackwell attended Mississippi State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture in June 1951. In 1955, he received his Master of Science in horticulture and plant physiology from the University of Maryland. Blackwell started his career as an instructor of horticulture at the University of Arkansas, and later was an extension specialist in horticulture at the University of Georgia. In 1959 he joined the editorial staff of the Progressive Farmer Magazine as its horticultural editor. During his tenure there, he wrote The Progressive Farmer's Garden Book of the South. In 1965, he became the executive director and CEO of ASHS. He supervised the growth and expansion of ASHS until his retirement in 1988.
Blackwell was an active member in the Church of God, serving on boards and councils in his local church and on state boards in both Mississippi and Alabama. He also compiled a history of his local church.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Louise Blackwell of Meridian; sons: Carl Blackwell and wife, Sandra, of Meridian, and Greg Blackwell and wife, Kim, of Olney, MD; daughter, Donna Riley and husband, Mike, of Durango, CO; brothers: the Rev. George Blackwell Jr. and wife, Klue, of Meridian, and David Blackwell and wife, Terry, of Nashville, TN; sister, Mavis Lunsford and husband, Bobby, of Lake City, FL; grandchildren, Kristin Riley of Las Vegas, NV, Jodi Murray and husband, Tom, of LaJolla, CA, Katie Blackwell and Kyle Blackwell of Olney, MD; great-grandchildren, Katie Murray and Ryan Murray of LaJolla, CA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George D. Blackwell Sr. and Nealy Blackwell, and brother Leo Blackwell.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.