Pete Blackwell

Eugene Baxter "Pete" Blackwell, Jr., 68, of Black Mountain, entered into the arms of Jesus on Friday, June 13, 2014, at the St. Joseph Campus of Mission Hospitals. An Asheville native, he was a son of the late Eugene Baxter, Sr., and Helen Peterson Blackwell. Mr. Blackwell was a graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School. He later co-owned and operated Banner House Handbags, in downtown Asheville. Outside of work, Mr. Blackwell volunteered with the Buncombe Co. Sheriff's Department for many years. He enjoyed deep sea fishing at Atlantic Beach, Morehead, NC, and sailing his sail boat at Lake Julian. He also enjoyed gardening and working in his yard until his health prevented him from doing so. He was baptized in the Christian Faith at First Lutheran Church in 1946. He received the Rite of Communion at First Lutheran Church in the late 50s. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Mr. Blackwell is survived by his wife, Anne Potts Blackwell; daughter, Denise Nielsen and husband Mike; son, Ross Dillingham and wife Missy; sisters, Patt Vestal, Beverly Salter, and Susan Brock and husband Ronnie; grandchildren, Ryan Nielsen and wife Tori, Dane and Sky Nielsen, and Luke and Libby Dillingham; nieces and nephews, Lindsey "Wiz" Perone and husband Scott, Virginia Anderson and husband Mike, Doug Yancy, Jay Vestal, Stephanie Goodson and husband Davis, and Michael Salter; his loving dog, Chloe; and numerous other family members and dear friends. A memorial service for Mr. Blackwell will be on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Dr. Michael McFarland officiating. His family invites everyone to join them at a reception at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth & Families, 80 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711, http://www.blackmountainhome.org. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.