Arthur Ray Blackwell

Arthur Ray "Ott" Blackwell, 81, a resident of Petrey, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, while surrounded by his family. A celebration of Arthur Ray's life has not been scheduled at this time.

Trust me, if you ever met Arthur Ray, or "Ott" to many of his friends, you definitely weren't going to forget him. He was a real character who enjoyed people endlessly. He was effortless with everyone he met, even strangers. He had a knack for making them feel welcome around him due to a natural warmth that simply radiated off of him. His personality shined with his soothing, laidback demeanor and charming sense of humor. His family and friends knew Arthur Ray was always going to be there for them if ever they needed him because he was unfailingly generous with his time and attention.

He spent his career making rebar that was used in construction all over the state, including our own Crenshaw Community Hospital. In his free time, he loved anything that kept him outside. Arthur Ray's yard always looked great because he tended to it so well. He also enjoyed gardening when he was able to, and he loved to find a quiet fishing hole somewhere to drop a line for an afternoon. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, "Paw Paw" to his grands, and "Uncle Ott" to the nieces and nephews who absolutely adored him. Words cannot express how much he loved all of them and was loved by them in return.

Arthur Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Henry & Willie Mae Odum Blackwell, and siblings, Betty Jean Bazzell and Leroy Blackwell Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Louise DeGrasse Blackwell; his children & their spouses, Cindy & Wade Williams, Mark & Julie Blackwell, Chris & Lisa Blackwell; granddaughters, Caitlin (Jamie) Grimmer and Clerabella Blackwell; great-granddaughter, Madeline Grimmer; sister, Kathleen Kelley; sister-in-law, Lucy Blackwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.