Celebration of the life of Ron Blackwood

By LINDA PAGE, Special to the Branson Globe

Mr. Ron Blackwood, age 84, of Lorena, TX, passed away on June 26, 2025. He was born on September 5, 1940, in Shenandoah, IA, the son of R. W. and Elaine Blackwood and raised in Memphis, TN. Ron is survived by his wife Shelley Layne Blackwood, brother and sister-in-law R. W. and Donna Blackwood, eight children and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Blackwood (Photo submitted)

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Faith and Wisdom Church located at 3950 Green Mountain Dr., Branson, MO.

Ron was a legend in gospel and country music and was a second generation of the famous Blackwood Brothers Quartet. His father, the late R. W. Blackwood, was a founding member of the quartet. Ron was known not only for his singing ability, but for his talent in management, promotion and concert-booking. His accomplishments and accolades are too numerous to list, but he was a colorful, energetic, encouraging and generous man who left his mark on the world.

Ron's formal education included Castle Heights Military Academy, followed by service in the Army's 101st Airborne Paratroopers. Ron also liked to tell about being the 4th Army Welterweight Champion in the boxing ring.

Ron was in the music industry for over 60 years, working with and managing artists like Willie Nelson, Carman, The Blackwood Brothers, Hank Williams Jr.; Billy Walker, R. W. and Donna Blackwood and The Blackwood Singers, J. D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet, Vern Gosdin and Jerry Wallace. He and his brother R. W. Blackwood Jr., performed on the stage of the Grand Old Opry in the 1960s.

Ron was considered one of the best masters of ceremony. He, along with members of his family and friends, headlined in theaters in Branson, MO; Pigeon Forge, TN; Maggie Valley, N.C.  as well as in concerts across the country.

Guest speakers, singers and pianists at the celebration of life will include Shelley Layne Blackwood; Ron Blackwood Jr.; Jimmy, Billy and Terry Blackwood; The Blackwood Singers featuring R. W. and Donna Blackwood; Sandra Blackwood and Denny Yeary; Dan Betzer of Revival Fires; Chuck Crain; Rep. Brian Seitz; Tracy Heaston; Jim Bakker and Dr. Mike Brown.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that you please consider making a donation to one or both of the following scholarships in his name, as listed below:

·       McLennan Community College Foundation Nursing Scholarships: Mail to 1400 College Dr., Waco, TX 76708, or give online at https://www.mclennan.edu/foundation/

·       Liberty University's School of Music Business Programs: Mail to Liberty University Office of Development, 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24515 (check should include Ron Blackwood Endowment in the memo) or give online at https://give.liberty.edu/DGUGENFUND/gift-info. (Please check "In Memory of Ron Blackwood Endowment”).