Lt. Colonel Joseph “Joe” Weldon Blackwell, JR.
In Loving Memory
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Retired Lt. Colonel Joseph “Joe” Weldon Blackwell, JR., from Alexandria, Virginia, who left us on March 19, 2025, at the age of 85 after moving to Olympia, Washington to be near his immediate family.
Joe and his brother, John, grew up in Port Arthur and Amarillo, Texas, with their parents, Joseph Weldon Blackwell, Sr. and Johnnye Mae Blackwell. Joe attended Texas Christian University, joined the ROTC program and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon completing the program, Joe was commissioned as an officer in the US Army. Joe taught military science at Tulane University and attended US Command and General Staff College. While overseas, he obtained his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Boston University. Some of his accomplishments and medals while serving in the US Army include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (30LC), Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. Joe served his country for 28 years.
Joe's second career was with the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration, where he retired as the Director of Personal Property Division. While with Fairfax County, he served as a member and then chair of the Board of Equalization. Joe volunteered for many years at the Fairfax County Recreation Center.
Joe was a generous and loving father. His children loved being “Army Brats.” Joe loved to travel and would continue to travel throughout his life. He traveled with his family throughout Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean. While in Europe, the family visited every museum and exhibition they could find. During the winter, they skied and competed in amateur ski races hosted by the ski lodge in Austria. Some of Joe’s solo trips include Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, and China. Joe loved to read, was a history enthusiast, enjoyed swimming, solving the Washington Post crossword puzzles, attending major and minor league baseball games, and in his younger years, he was quite an athlete.
Joe is survived by his immediate family, a son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was the best father in the world, and his family loves and misses him dearly. May he rest in peace and remain forever in our hearts.
Details of the burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be made available when finalized.
