Douglas Blackwell

Attorney Douglas (Doug) Neil Blackwell II, beloved husband of Christina (Chrissy) Lemek-Blackwell passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his adoring wife on June 16, 2024. The son of Douglas Neil Blackwell and Elizabeth Blackwell. Douglas was born on May 21, 1972. He spent his childhood in Cleveland, TN a community he cherished. Douglas attended Cleveland High school and graduated in 1990.

Douglas attended Cleveland State University and graduated with an associate's degree in criminal justice, he went on to graduate from Middle Tennessee State University with a Master's degree in Criminal Law. While at MTSU Doug, was a member of the Pre-Law Society from 1992-1994 and was the president of the Pre- Law Society from 1993-1994. Doug was ranked 7th in the nation in mock trial competition while attending MTSU. Doug proudly earned Dean's list every semester while attending MTSU. Douglas was accepted to The University of Memphis Cecil Humphrey's School of Law where he earned a Juris Doctorate May 19, 1998.

After passing the Tennessee Bar, Doug was admitted by the Tennessee Supreme court with a license to practice law on October 19, 1998. He was then admitted to the Chattanooga Bar Association on November 13, 1998. Douglas began to practice law with Mckoon, Billings & Gold PC, in Chattanooga where he worked until he opened his own law firm, Blackwell Law Offices in Cleveland in 2002. Douglas ran his practice for 22 years as a local Bradley County attorney. Doug was twice published, publishing TRIAL PRACTICE-OPENING STATEMENTS: Putting The Puzzle Pieces Before The Jury and OPERATIONAL LEGAL KNOWLEDGE OF POLICE OFFICERS REEXAMAMINED. Douglas had a passion for helping others and for the Law. Doug took great pride in his ability to help clients through difficult personal situations, and to offer them the ability to start anew. Oftentimes being a confidant, advocate and counselor to many whom he defended.

Doug loved serving the community of Bradley County, Doug served as the Volunteer Legal Counsel for the nonprofit organization The Ark of Cleveland, Inc for 20 years. Doug served as a Pro- Bono Legal Aide attorney for Legal Aid of East Tennessee, where he held legal clinics monthly for the community. Doug sat on the Board of Directors for the non-Profit Child welfare agency Solomon Family Solutions. Doug volunteered as Director of Legal services for Solomon Family Services providing Legal assistance pursuant to TSC Rule 21. Doug acted as Church Council Member of First United Methodist Church, as well as Chairman of Witness and evangelism committee with First United Methodist Church. Doug was a member of The Bradley Sunrise Rotary Club. Doug volunteered his time and was a board member of The Family Resource agency. He was a member of The Elks club of Cleveland, TN and enjoyed being actively involved in the Punta Gorda, FL Elks. Doug would often provide free or reduced legal services to people in need. He had a passion for helping others, a pillar in which prided himself.

Doug was an avid University of Tennessee football fan; it was not uncommon to see Doug in his favorite Big orange UT tee shirts and cheering on the TN volunteers every Saturday during college football season. He loved golf and held a standing tee time for many years at the Cleveland Country club. Doug loved the beach, boating and visiting Florida and had dreams of one day retiring to live on the beach in Florida. Most importantly Doug loved his family and spending time doing family activities, especially family trips to Disney World. He enjoyed cooking and hosting friends and family. Doug enjoyed volunteer coaching youth soccer for his children. He had a passion for reading and loved John Grisham and anything legal thriller. Doug never met a stranger with a gregarious demeanor and loving smile. Doug loved to joke, tell stories and laugh. Doug brought joy and laughter everywhere he went.

Douglas was proceeded in death by his father Douglas Neil Blackwell, his grandparents Bill and Oaklee Blackwell of Saltville, VA and Walter and Leona Nelson of Saltville, VA. Doug is survived by is wife, Christina ( Chrissy) Ann Lemek-Blackwell; beloved daughter by marriage Teagan Lemek-Burke of Cleveland, TN, Mother Elizabeth ( Lib) Blackwell Of Cleveland TN, Mother in Law Kathleen Lemek Of North Port, FL; Brother Chris Blackwell and wife Tiffany Blackwell of Cleveland, TN; Sister Dawn Blackwell Cox and Husband Jason Cox of Cleveland, TN; Five Nieces and Nephews Daven Blackwell, Caden Blackwell, Sadie Cox, Barrett Cox, and Kelby Cox of Cleveland, TN; Cousin Leanne and husband David Mullins of Abingdon, VA; Cousins by marriage Cathrine Harnish Lamar and Husband Andrew Lamar of Kingston, RI. Aunt by marrage Joan Harnish of Scituate, RI; Children from his first marriage Charlie and Mary Grace of Cleveland, TN. Doug also leaves behind a large extended family and many dear friends to mourn him.

Doug was a pillar of strength and a beacon of love to his family, his absence leaves a void in all those who knew and loved him. To commemorate his remarkable life and memories we cherish, a celebration of life will be held at Southern Charm Venue; 656 Minnis Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323 on July 14,2024 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. We welcome all who knew him and loved him to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was loved deeply and will be missed.

Honorary Pallbearers; Brent Arthur, Chris Blackwell, Mark Greenwood, Jamie Taylor, Brian Quinn, Jon Collins, Donald Leon Shahan and Tim Shackelford.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Doug's memory to a legacy legal foundation set up in Doug's memory to provide legal assistance to those in need within our community. DOUGLAS N BLACKWELL II LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION OF EAST TN.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Doug's and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.