Kenneth Willard Blackwelder

Kenneth Willard Blackwelder

Kenneth W. Blackwelder of 103 Dale Ave, Kannapolis, NC died Thursday April 16, 2026, at Atrium Hospital at 1:00 PM.

Kenneth was born at home in Kannapolis in 1939. He was the son of the late Clyde and Stella Blackwelder also of Kannapolis.

He was a past Master Mason of the Allen Graham Masonic Lodge in Kannapolis. He was a life-long motorcycle enthusiast, and an all-star high school and legion baseball player. He was passionate about collecting antiques and became an avid car show participant and attendee in his “Little Red” 1954 Chevy truck in the later years of his life. He was a previous member of West Point Baptist church in Kannapolis, NC. Most of all, Ken was a friend to everyone he knew and a man with a massive generous heart. He genuinely “never met a stranger”, and those who spent time with him would attest that they were far better for knowing him. He was a loving husband, a patient father, and a dedicated friend.

Ken began his career as an Electrician with Litaker Electric in Kannapolis, NC; and later was president and owner of Spectrum Sales based in Concord, NC. He retired in 2009.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Russell Blackwelder in June of 2013. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James Ray Blackwelder in 2013, and his granddaughter, Heather Alana Blackwelder in 2020.

Kenneth is survived by his son, Kendall D. Blackwelder of Kannapolis, Chad R. Blackwelder (wife, Becky) of Cumming, GA, granddaughter Harley Cook of Flowery Branch, GA, two great-granddaughters Alaina and Johanna Cook of Flowery Branch, GA and his significant other, Debbie Welch Jarrell of Concord, NC.

Funeral services will be conducted at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis, NC. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Whitley’s Funeral home in Kannapolis. Interment will follow a procession to Carolina Memorial Park in the Mausoleum at 2:00 PM.