Frank "Bucky" Blackwell

 Frank L. (Bucky) Blackwell, 77, of Mullens passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at CAMC Memorial Hospital after a long, courageous battle with sarcoma.  

Born in Mullens, West Virginia, he was the son of James R. “Tuck” Blackwell and Kathleen P. Blackwell Vest.  

Bucky graduated from Mullens High School in 1965 and graduated from Marshall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1969, followed by a Master of Arts in Educational Administration in 1971.  

He began his career as an elementary school teacher, later becoming a principal, an assistant superintendent for the first 15 years, and then serving as Superintendent of Wyoming County Schools for 34 years. He was the longest, continuously serving Superintendent in West Virginia’s history. After retiring from Wyoming Schools, he was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to become the Executive Director of the WV School Building Authority, ultimately dedicating 51 years to education in West Virginia. In 2016, Bucky was named Superintendent of the Year in WV and recognized as a Distinguished West Virginian. He also received the Marshall University Alumni Award of Distinction for the College of Education and Professional Development in 2018. Bucky served on the Concord University Board of Governors and held the position of Chairman of the Board.  

Bucky served the citizens of Southern West Virginia as a member of the WV House of Delegates for three terms (1976-1982) and was appointed by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin in 2016 to fill a vacant seat in the WV House of Delegates, where he worked on educational causes as well as issues that impacted the citizens of Southern WV and the entire state. He was a member of the Highland Avenue Baptist Church in Mullens, the Masonic Lodge and the Loyal Order of the Moose.  

Bucky got great joy from helping others. He was known for his happy, easy going nature, calm demeanor, kindness, and caring spirit. He always looked for the positive in any situation and was unwavering in his commitment to helping “the children” of Wyoming County. His true passion in life was Wyoming County Schools. He was a leader and shepherded the efforts to help secure funding for many projects in Wyoming County including: the Southern WV Community College, and the Coalfields Expressway as a Delegate; and the construction of several new schools during his tenure as Superintendent. He was a dedicated public servant and small business owner. Bucky loved to go to the river, fishing, deer hunting, watching Westerns, visiting his farm, and above all spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws Henry and Maude Canterbury, stepfather Earl Vest and stepsister Paula Bangle.  

Bucky is survived by his wife of 55 years, Trudy Canterbury Blackwell of Mullens, daughter, Audra Blackwell (Matthew Martin) of Charleston, son, Mark Blackwell, and grandchildren Colton Henry and Abigail Lee Blackwell of Mullens, brother-in-law, Andrew Canterbury of Mullens, sister-in-law Tammy McKinney (Clifford) of Beckley, nieces Amber McKinney and Blaine McKinney of Portland, ME, and nephew Clint Houck of Charlotte, NC. 

Others left to cherish his memory are Alice Hypes, Pete Hypes, Sam Webster, Glen and Kathy Crotty, Barbie and Michael Covelli, Rick Crotty, Kim Smith and others. Many thanks to Dr. Robert Benjamin, MD Anderson Sarcoma Center; Dr. Ahmed Khalid, Oncologist, Dr. Glenn Crotty, Jr., Dr. Shelda Martin and the staff at CAMC, Dr. Sam Webster, and family and friends who helped him through his illness. 

 Friends may call from 11am until time of service on January 18, 2025, at the Highland Avenue Baptist Church, 319 Highland Ave, Mullens, WV 25882. Services will be held at 1 o’clock following the visitation, with Rev. Lewis Arnold officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.  

Pallbearers are Mark Blackwell, David Cox, Clint Houck, Todd Houck, Bob Toler, and Sam Stump. 

Flowers are welcome; Memorial Contributions in honor of Bucky may be directed to the Cancer Center and addressed to the CAMC Foundation, 3414 Stanton Ave., SE, Charleston, WV 25304; camcfoundation@vandaliahealth.org.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of Frank "Bucky" Blackwell is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home.