Mr. Aaron Ray "Sonny Boy" Blackwell

May 12, 1943 - November 29, 2016

Aaron Ray “Sonny Boy” Blackwell, 73 of Waldo, AR., passed away November 29th at Magnolia Health & Rehab. He was born May 12, 1943 in Hot Springs, AR to Baby Ray Westbrook and Claudine Blackwell. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandfather; Jimmy Blackwell. Aaron Ray “Sonny Boy” Blackwell, 73 of Waldo, AR., passed away November 29th at Magnolia Health & Rehab. He was born May 12, 1943 in Hot Springs, AR to Baby Ray Westbrook and Claudine Blackwell. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandfather; Jimmy Blackwell. He attended Douglas Elementary and Langston high School in Hot Springs, AR., he later took night classes at U.A.L.R in Little Rock, AR. After high school, he ventured out starting his entrepreneurial career, becoming shilled at grooming houses and a waiter. In 1966, he met the love of his life, Shirley Brown. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on January 13, 1967 and he continued his entrepreneurial skills, which included a Print Shop, Catering, and Bartender. He also worked for Smokey Hollow Meat Company and was in charge of running the Arkansas Food Bank. He joined Holy Soul Catholic Church in Little Rock, AR., loved to cook and spending time with his family. His favorite past time was enjoying intellectual conversations and really enjoyed a heathy debate. In his later years, he became an avidity bible reader, spending many hours in scripture study, and did his best to become a humble servant. He leaves to cherish his wonderful memory; his wife of 49 yrs., Mrs. Shirley Brown-Blackwell, one son; Brandon Lambert, his siblings; Eugene Mason & wife Leola, Mrs. Cecelea Johnson & husband Albert all of Oakland, CA., Ms. Ida Bea Thompson of Horn Lake, MS., Ms. Janice Nichols, Ms. Ella Mason, Ms. Lynette Vasquez, and Ms. Denise Cannon all of Rochester, NY, Ms. Shirley Presley of Little Rock, AR. Cousins; Ms. Mary Burgess of Hot springs, AR. and Ms. Mary Goshen of Bryant, AR. Three grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Home going celebration will be held Saturday, December 10th, at 11:00 a.m. at R.L. Reed Funeral Home Chapel in Magnolia, AR., with burial to follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Waldo, AR. Under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC of Magnolia, AR. Officiating will be Bro. Richard Zachery Visitation will be Friday from 11: a.m. till 5: p.m. at the funeral home