Mr. Cecil Richard "Rick" Blackwell Jr.

Cecil Richard “Rick” Blackwell Jr., a lifelong resident of Baldwin County and devoted member of the Foley community, passed away on September 4, 2026, at the age of 83. Rick was born on February 1, 1943, at Holmes Hospital in Foley, Alabama. He grew up in Bon Secour, where he attended Swift School, and graduated from Foley High School in 1961. He later attended the University of Alabama, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. After college, Rick returned home to Baldwin County, where he built his career working for Reynolds Ready Mix and later Goodrich Aerospace. Rick had a deep love for Foley and dedicated much of his life to serving the community he called home. Beginning in 2008, he served the City of Foley as City Councilman for District 4, faithfully representing his community until his retirement in 2025. His commitment to Foley extended far beyond public office. Throughout his life, Rick was involved in numerous civic and youth organizations, including the Foley Lions Club. He served as president of the South Baldwin Dixie Youth Girls Baseball program for eight years and the Girls Softball League for four years. He was also a member of the committee that helped establish the Foley Soccer League. Through these organizations and many others, Rick gave his time to a community and generations of young people that meant so much to him. Rick was a lifelong member of Foley First Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Feaster Sunday School Class. He loved his church, his Sunday School class, and the friendships he formed there throughout the years. Anyone who knew Rick knew he was a devoted University of Alabama football fan. His love for the Crimson Tide remained with him throughout his life. Another of Rick’s great passions was raising and owning American Quarter Horses. His horses were much more than a pastime; they were a lifelong hobby that brought him great enjoyment and many treasured memories. Above all else, Rick was a devoted family man. He took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was one of their biggest supporters. Whether it was a sporting event, an academic achievement, or another important moment in their lives, Rick made every effort to be there. He loved watching them succeed, celebrating their accomplishments, and simply being present for the people he loved. His family always knew they could count on his encouragement, support, and unwavering love. Rick is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sherri Bailey Blackwell; his children, Chad Blackwell (Denise) of Orange Beach, Alabama; Cindy Hinote (Tommy) of Northport, Alabama; Justin Blackwell (Nicole) of Foley, Alabama; and Christopher Blackwell (Robin) of Orange Beach, Alabama. He was also blessed with 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who brought him tremendous pride and joy. Rick is also survived by his four sisters, Lynn Miller, Bernice “Bunny” Munoz, Shannon Longcrier, and RoxAnne Safiran; and his brother, Walter Blackwell. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil R. Blackwell Sr., and his mother, Mildred Blackwell McConnell. Rick leaves behind a legacy rooted in family, faith, service, and community. Foley and South Baldwin County were more than simply the place he called home—they were part of who he was. Whether serving his neighbors on the Foley City Council, volunteering his time to local youth organizations, sharing fellowship at Foley First Baptist Church, enjoying his horses, cheering on the Crimson Tide, or sitting in the stands supporting one of his children or grandchildren, Rick was happiest when he was surrounded by the people and places he loved. His legacy will live on not only in the community he helped shape, but most importantly in the family he loved so deeply and supported so faithfully. Rick Blackwell loved his family, he loved Foley, and both are better because he was a part of them.

Mr. Cecil Richard "Rick" Blackwell Jr.

February 1, 1943 - September 4, 2026