Rocky Allen Blackwelder, age 76, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at his home, following an extended illness. He was born on February 14, 1950, the son of the late Mr. John Henry Blackwelder and the late Mrs. Nettie Latitia Bridges Blackwelder.
Mr. Blackwelder was a member of the Coffee County Gun Club. He enjoyed RVing, growing citrus trees, and Georgia festivals. He also collected model lighthouses and nesting hens.
He was a proud Navy veteran and optical repair technician.
His survivors include: his beloved wife, Irene Collins Blackwelder of Douglas, GA; one son, Joshua Blackwelder of Palatka, Fl; one daughter, Patricia Campbell of Keystone Heights, FL; four stepsons; one stepdaughter; ten grandchildren; one sister, Beatrice Phiels of Palatka, FL; one sister-in-law, Doris Blackwelder of FL; along with several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: father, John Henry Blackwelder; mother, Nettie Letitia Bridges Blackwelder; and three brothers, R.J. Blackwelder, Artis Blackwelder, and Junior Blackwelder.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21 at Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, GA, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the chapel of Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, GA, at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Bruce Campbell officiating. Interment will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA, at 2:00 PM.
Active pallbearers will include: William Douglas, Michael Douglas, David Shaw, Dean Hardy, Jack Collins and Ryan Musgrove.
Georgia National Cemetery officiant will be Rev. Bradly Shaw. Active pallbearers at the Cemetery will include: David Shaw, Bradly Shaw, Anthony Hardy, and Dean Hardy.
All pallbearers are requested to wear jeans and a short sleeve button up shirt.
Music Selections will include: “I’ll Fly Away” and “Because He lives”.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.