Harvey Chancey Blackwelder Jr

Harvey Chancey Blackwelder Jr, 78, of Lexington, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated public servant, Harvey’s legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Rich Fork Baptist Church, with Pastors Greg Hargrave and Huey Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Piney Grove Church Cemetery in Denton with military honors.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington.

Born in Davidson County on November 16, 1946, to Harvey Blackwelder, Sr. and Ruby Story Blackwelder, Harvey’s commitment to service began early in his life and continued throughout his 78 years. He served in the United States Army as a K9 handler during the Vietnam War from 1966-1968, guarding ammo dumps and protecting fellow soldiers. Upon returning to his community, Harvey became a pillar of service and leadership. He retired as a paramedic and captain from Davidson County EMS after 30 years of service, having been part of the county’s first paramedic class. He also served as the Chief of the Davidson County Rescue Squad for many years, where he was a member for 48 years. His dedication to his role in the Rescue Squad earned him numerous honors, including Squad Member of the Year in 2019 and the prestigious Tommy Lopp Award. In December 2016, Harvey received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory for his exceptional service to his community—a recognition that remains one of his proudest achievements. Harvey’s love for his community never wavered, even after retirement, when he continued to serve Davidson County EMS part-time for another seven years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Harvey had a passion for life. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, gold prospecting, golf and paintball. A lover of travel, Harvey visited all 50 states and enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures. He was also a chocolate connoisseur, delighting in the simple pleasures of life. But above all, Harvey was a devoted family man. His greatest joy was being a father to his three sons and a loving Pawpaw to his eight grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly. Harvey’s unwavering dedication to his family was matched only by his devotion to his wife, Lauren Banks Blackwelder, whom he married 23 years ago. He was the best example of what a husband should be, and his love for his family was a constant source of strength. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Lauren; sons Brent Blackwelder (Michelle), Chad Blackwelder (Lindsey), and Zachary Cody (Lily); his brother Richard Blackwelder (Doris); his eight precious grandchildren, Emma, Grace, Chance, Brantley, Brenna, Georgia, Cora, and Jensen; and his furbaby, Izzy.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers, Allison and Dianna, for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Davidson County Rescue Squad at PO Box 122 Lexington, NC 27293, or Piney Grove Cemetery Fund, mailed to 13520 E. Old Hwy 64 Lexington NC 27292. Military rites will be rendered at the grave.

Harvey’s legacy of service, love, and devotion will live on in the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.