Roger Blackwood, Former Robertson County Commissioner, Dies at 90

ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – Roger Blackwood, a businessman, civic leader, and former Robertson County Commissioner, passed away Saturday at the age of 90. Known by many for his longtime community involvement, Blackwood’s legacy quietly runs through much of Robertson County — from the land he donated for Springfield’s Travis Price Park to his behind-the-scenes work on major public projects across the city and county.

While many enjoy the lake and walking trails of Travis Price Park, few may realize the land was a personal gift from Blackwood. Others credit him with helping bring the YMCA to Robertson County, securing the downtown location for the county’s jail and court system, and preserving key historical buildings through practical redevelopment — including the county archives, museum, and courthouse restoration.

This week, Smokey Barn News received tributes from former County Mayor Howard Bradley, Springfield Mayor Buzzy Poole, and longtime friend and local architect Jack Breithaupt, each highlighting a different aspect of Blackwood’s decades of public service and private generosity.

Howard Bradley, Former Robertson County Mayor

“We were very sorry to hear about the passing of former Robertson County Commissioner Roger Blackwood. After serving on the commission for eight years and being involved in virtually every committee, he went on to serve on the county’s Economic Development Board for a number of years and worked on every major project related to economic development and recruiting business to the county.

He played an instrumental role in the county’s acquisition of the old tobacco warehouse on Central Avenue, and in the various uses that building has today. He was very much a community-minded person — he served on the boards of both the Kiwanis Club and the Rotary Club. I would say he was involved, in one way or another, in just about every major decision in Robertson County over the past 30 years.

Roger had been very successful in business and retired while still a relatively young man due to serious health issues. But once he was able, he put his hand back to the plow and got back to work. When I was County Mayor, he was a frequent visitor to my office — sometimes with suggestions, sometimes offering support for one cause or another.

He was a strong supporter of bringing the community college to Robertson County, of the county’s economic growth plan, the library expansion, and the courthouse renovation that we completed about 20 years ago. Virtually everyone involved in county government knew Roger, knew him well, and worked closely with him. He will be missed.

He lived to be 90 years old — he had just celebrated that milestone in February — and he leaves a big void. This county is better for having had him.

Howard Bradley also noted that Roger Blackwood donated the land for what is now Travis Price Park — a well-loved part of Springfield with a lake and amenities that many local families continue to enjoy. The park has since become a lasting piece of Springfield’s history. Bradley also pointed out that Blackwood played a major role in bringing the YMCA to Robertson County and supporting its expansion — two lasting contributions that have become deeply woven into the fabric of the community.

Springfield Mayor Buzzy Poole

“I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Roger Blackwood,” said Buzzy Poole, Mayor of Springfield. “Roger was an extremely successful businessman and served this community faithfully. He was a County Commissioner for 8 years and also served on the Robertson County Industrial Development & Tourism Board. Roger played an important role in helping to bring industry and jobs to our area. He also donated the land to the City of Springfield for Travis Price Park. I always considered Roger to be friend, we had many conversations over the years, and I always appreciated his candor and his passion for our community. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends. He will be missed by many.”

— Jack Breithaupt

“Roger Blackwood was one of the best friends of my entire life,” said local architect Jack Breithaupt. “I met him not long after I had moved to Springfield in 1990. If you were fortunate enough to have been his friend, you understand by experience how unwavering his commitment was to your well-being.

As an architect, I know first-hand he truly left a positive mark on the built environment of Springfield. He gave the city the land for the beautiful city park, he was the key figure in having the Robertson County Family YMCA constructed, he was instrumental in having the old hospital converted into the county office building, having the old jail converted into the archives building, converting the old post office into the museum, and having the jail and associated court system built within the city limits of Springfield instead of inconveniently out of town in a rural setting where only a few landowners would’ve benefited and not the general public.

Also, only a few people know that when the courthouse was being historically restored, it was learned that the structural deterioration of the beautiful clock and bell tower was worse than what was expected. He was instrumental in seeing to it that the progress to restore this important civic edifice was done in an efficient and reasonable manner by helping make sure adequate cranes and equipment were available to solve this unique but difficult problem.

He was successful in business not only because he was smart, but also because he worked as hard as any person I have ever known in my life. Within his success, he was also privately and personally generous to untold numbers of people throughout his life. I am proud to have been his friend, but more importantly, I am grateful to have had the opportunity.”

SERVICES

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Austin & Bell Funeral Home. Once those details are available, they will be added to this report.

The post Roger Blackwood, Former Robertson County Commissioner, Dies at 90 appeared first on Smokey Barn News.

News Source : https://smokeybarn.com/roger-blackwood-former-robertson-county-commissioner-dies-at-90/