Ron Blackwood Obituary

Ron Blackwood

September 5, 1940 - June 26, 2025

Ron Blackwood, age 84, of Lorena, Texas passed into the presence of his Savior surrounded by his family on June 26, 2025. He was a legend in the Gospel and Country music industry for his management, promotion, performance, and concert-booking talents, but Ron would tell you that he only truly cared about working with artists who would share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was an enthusiastic encourager who loved without holding back and gave generously to anyone in need. Second to his love for the Lord was his devotion to his family.

Ron was born in Shenandoah, Iowa and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. As the son of the late RW (founding Blackwood Brothers member) and Elaine Blackwood, his entire life was surrounded by music. He was very proud of his education at Castle Heights Military Academy and service in the Army's 101st Airborne Paratroopers. He also beamed when he talked about being the 4th Army Welterweight Champion in the boxing ring. After the Army, Ron's musical roots would lead him to make an indelible mark on this world.

During his 61 years in the music industry, Ron worked with great artists like Willie Nelson, Carman, the Blackwood Brothers, Hank Williams, Jr., Billy Walker, and so many more. He and his brother R. W. Blackwood, Jr. performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage in the 1960s. He even had an opportunity to join Elvis' entourage in the 1970s but chose to stick closer to his Gospel foundations. He loved performing and was an electric Master of Ceremonies in the many theaters that he and his wife, brother, sister-in-law, various family members, and friends owned or headlined in Branson, Missouri, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and countless concerts all over the country. Ron was transparent about the good and the bad, but he lived life boldly proclaiming the words of the Bill & Gloria Gaither song "He Touched Me," knowing that it was his relationship with his blessed Savior that cleansed and made "Ole Ronnie whole."

Ron was proceeded in death by his father RW and mother Elaine Blackwood. He is survived by his wife Shelley Layne Blackwood, brother R.W. and sister-in-law Donna Blackwood, sons Neal (Taryn), Ron (Dana), Nathan (Shiloh), Noah (Alex), and Nicolas (Leslie) Blackwood, and daughters Ronda (Desi) Arellano, Alicia (Graham) Glynn, and Brandi (Jeff) Woods; grandchildren Zachary, Matthew, Paige, Dalton, Courtney, Jordan, Ryien, Sage, and Ezekiel, and great-grandchildren Alexis, Ava, Cash, Saylor, and Skye, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Shelley Blackwood & family would like to thank the staff of Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest's Emergency Department, MICU, 6th floor, and the McClinton Cancer Center.

Because of Ron's far-reaching legacy including many friends and family around the country, two services will be held in his honor.

A memorial service will be held at Oak Grove Baptist Church in China Spring, Texas on Saturday July 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with a time of visitation prior to the service starting at 10:00.

A celebration of his life will take place on August 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ron Blackwood's memory by contributing to one or both of the following scholarships:

McLennan Community College Foundation Nursing Scholarships mailed to 1400 College Dr. Waco, TX 76708 or given online at https://www.mclennan.edu/foundation/.

Liberty University's School of Music Business Programs mailed to Liberty University Office of Development, 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24515 (Check should include Ron Blackwood Endowment in memo) or give online at https://give.liberty.edu/DGUGENFUND/gift-info (Please check "In Memory of" and type Ron Blackwood Endowment).

Memorial Video Link: https://youtu.be/QTRyDBBxK9c.

Please join us in remembering Ron by signing our guestbook at fossfuneralhome.com.