Tyree Blackwell

Tyree Blackwell was born January 25, 1932, in Smithfield, NC to the late Elijah Blackwell, Jr. and Sauritha Williams Blackwell. He was the grandson of the late
Elijah Blackwell, Sr., Julia Knight Blackwell, Charles Williams, and Elnora Dublin Williams. Tyree departed this life at Johnston UNC Healthcare in Smithfield, NC on Friday, September 23, 2022. He graduated from Johnston County Training School in Smithfield, NC where he was a star player on the basketball team. After graduation he attended N.C. College on a basketball scholarship. N.C. College is now known as N.C. Central University. On September 17, 1964, he married Virginia Barfield Dunston. They had three children, Anthony, Kenneth, and Sauritha. Tyree worked at RJ Reynolds Tobacco, and for many years he worked in the Billiards industry. He made a decision to become an entrepreneur and opened his own business, The Pool-room. He thrived as a businessman and was respected by many. Throughout the community he was affectionately known as Uncle Tyree; whether he was your uncle or not. His home was a shelter to many and on a given day you could ride by and see him sitting on the porch, reading his newspaper and chatting with the guys. He will be missed by all that knew him. Tyree was preceded in death by his children, Sauritha Stevens Blackwell and Anthony Barfield, brothers Moses Blackwell and William David Blackwell, and sisters Mary Blackwell Smith, Delia Blackwell, and Sauritha Black-well. He is survived by his son, Kenneth Blackwell, grandchildren, Jemel Raiford (Angie), Antwon Raiford (Alecia), Tosheba Hooks, Valerie Williams and 13 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends

Memorial Service:
Friday, October 07
6:00 PM
New Generation Christian Church
4423 Wilson Mill Rd
Smithfield, NC 27577