Charles Edward Blackstock passed away without suffering on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Charlie (as most people knew him) was born November 30, 1937, to Lewis and Emma Blackstock. Growing up his parents moved around often for work, mostly between Arkansas and Texas with Camden, Arkansas eventually becoming his hometown.
Charlie was an Air Force veteran having joined shortly after his graduation from Fairview High School, Camden, Arkansas in 1955. During his four years in service, he demonstrated a natural aptitude for computers which were still in their infancy. By the end of his service, he was considered an expert in this emerging technology, and this opened the door to further opportunities which eventually led him to the University of Arkansas.
During almost ten years at the university, he spearheaded one of the first programs for computerized student class assignments and is recognized today as one of their pioneers in computer science. He earned both Bachelor’s and Master's degrees in Mathematics as well as the first-known awarded degree for Computer Science in Arkansas.
He also achieved the most important thing that would define his life, the hand of his wife of 60 years, Olivia Gene Hayden. They were married in Fayetteville, Arkansas on August 21st, 1964. In 1969, they welcomed their first son, James Wray Blackstock. Shortly after the family moved to Texas and Charlie began working for Texas Instruments where he would remain until his retirement in 2001. Along the way, his role provided opportunities to travel the world and even relocate to Holland for several years in the early 70’s. On June 2, 1974, while living in Amstelveen, Charlie and Gene welcomed their second son, Michael Lewis Blackstock, into the world.
After retirement, Charlie began volunteering time at the local prison to help offenders get their GED’s and in 2021 his efforts were recognized by both the Colin County Sheriff’s Office and the United States House of Representatives for assisting over 300 inmates to complete their GED’s while in custody. Notably, prior to him joining this program, the number was 0. He never sought recognition, he just wanted to help people better themselves.
He is survived by his beloved wife Olivia ‘Gene’, his sons James and Michael, his grandchildren Sophie, Nathaniel and Matthew and his sister Martha. He is also survived by many other close family members and friends, which were an important part of his life.
Charles Blackstock was an honest, reliable and determined man who was defined by his family and his friends. If he said he was going to do something, you could be certain it would happen.
‘To say we all loved Charlie/Dad/Grandpa…just isn’t enough. The last time I saw my dad was August 18. We sat and talked for hours. While many of the stories were the same ones I had heard a thousand times, I’d give anything to hear him tell me one more time how he never took a driving test.’ James.
I know that everyone who knew him feels the same.
We kindly invite family and friends to a service in celebration of his life and legacy on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.