UNION - Harold Estes Blackwell, 77, husband of Dee Vowan Blackwell of 315 Glendale Road, died Saturday, June 14, 2008, at National Health Care Center in Laurens.

Mr. Blackwell was born in Gaffney on Aug. 27, 1930. He was the son of Coy Fletcher Blackwell and Callie Hawkins Blackwell. He retired after 39 years of service as an executive with Milliken & Co. After

graduating from

Clemson University

1953 with a B.S. degree in textile technology, he entered the U.S. Army, serving with 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

Mr. Blackwell was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Union, where he formerly served as deacon. He was a 51-year member of IPTAY and served as a Union County representative for many years. He was a member of Elks Lodge 1321 and served on the Broad River Scenic Council.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Mary Virginia Blackwell of Union; a son, Harold E. Blackwell Jr. of Spartanburg; two grandchildren, Victoria Vowan Blackwell and Claire Elizabeth Blackwell of Spartanburg.

Mr. Blackwell was predeceased by a sister, Carolyn Blackwell Law.

Memorial services will be held Tuesday, June 17, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Union. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.

The family is at the home.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to the renovation fund at the First Presbyterian Church, Union.

Arrangements by S.R. Homlcombe Funeral Home.