Ernest Lee Blackwell

Ernest Lee Blackwell

Affectionately known as Skipper, departed this earthly life on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at the Joliet Area Community Hospice home.  He was born on March 3, 1956 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Willie and Clora (Jackson) Blackwell.

Ernest grew up in Joliet, IL and graduated from Joliet Central High School in 1972.  After high school, he joined the Army in the Vietnam War from 1973-1975 and served three years.  He received an honorable discharge after being a P.O.W.

He worked for companies such as 7-Up, Hillcrest Nursing Home and numerous other copanies over a 20 year span.  He also worked until his health began to fail.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clora and Willie Blackwell, sister Hattie Mae Welcher, two brothers, Joe Willie Blackwell and Carl Edward Blackwell.

Ernest is survived by his two siters, Junella Williams of Indianapolis, IN and Susie Ann Heard of Joliet, IL and brother, O'Dell (Linda) Blackwell of Pine Bluff, AK, a very special aunt, Ann (Lou) Willis of Decatur, GA and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great friends and two very special friends, Terry Crosby and LT, his friends till the end.

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