Daniel Lee Blackwell, Sr.

Daniel Lee Blackwell, Sr.

Daniel Lee Blackwell, Sr., of Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the age of 89, following extended complications from surgery. He was born on January 8, 1937, in Grottoes, Virginia, and lived a life defined by love, hard work, family, and a spirit of adventure.

Raised in Palmyra, Pennsylvania, Dan excelled in school and developed the determination, quick thinking, and strong work ethic that became the foundation of his life. On September 6, 1956, he married Romaine Mildred Houser, and together they built a family grounded in love, loyalty, and cherished traditions. In the 1970s, Dan and Romaine moved to South Carolina, where he established a successful construction business. His dedication to craftsmanship and entrepreneurship lives on today through Keystone Craftsman, a business founded by his son, Danny Blackwell.

Above all else, Dan treasured family time. One family tradition he never missed was the annual family reunion in Grottoes, Virginia. Whether gathered around a card table, sharing stories from years gone by, or simply enjoying the laughter of family, Dan was happiest when surrounded by those closest to him.

Dan will be remembered for his quick wit, steady patience, intelligence, and love of games. He never met a stranger, always had a story to tell, and found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved a friendly wager, a spirited game of cards or bones, sharing a joke, and occasionally enjoying a nip of Jim Beam. Somehow, he always seemed to come out ahead, no matter the game. Through life's triumphs and challenges alike, he remained a source of encouragement, wisdom, and laughter for those around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Romaine Houser Blackwell, who passed away on March 28, 1997; his daughter, Kim Blackwell Tyrell, who passed away on December 3, 2019; and his grandson, Neal Thomas Pellum, who passed away on July 4, 2012.

He is survived by his second wife, Claire Iker of Bluffton, South Carolina; his son, Daniel Lee Blackwell, Jr. (Lynn) of Ridgeland, South Carolina; his daughter, Stephanie Mier (Norman) of Marengo, Illinois; and his son, Troy Blackwell (Kathy) of Rocky River, Ohio.

He also leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren: Tracy Hodges, Cortney Bristow (Mark), Christopher Green (Oerba), Chris Mier (Amber), Melissa Mier (Brian), Jonathan Mier (Emily), Joseph Mier (Christy), James Mier (Jamie), Sarah Herhal (Michael), and Austin Blackwell (Liesl); as well as his cherished great-grandchildren: Hayden, Haylee, Henslee, Cora, Collin, Izzy, Derek, Charlotte, Jack, Josie, Raiden, and Emma.

While his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his family finds comfort in knowing that his love remains woven into their lives and memories. They also take solace in the belief that he has been reunited with Romaine and those who went before him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 9, 2027, in Hilton Head, South Carolina. More information to follow, but family and friends are invited to join in honoring and remembering a remarkable man whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

"How do you say goodbye? The truth is, you don't. You simply continue to say, 'I love you.' Because death is not goodbye; it is merely a pause between hellos."