Gary Mitchell Blackwell

Gary Mitchell Blackwell, 81, of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026.

Mitch was born in Boise, Idaho, on December 14, 1944 joining his older brother Joe in the Blackwell household. His parents Jim and Carmen moved the family several times, living in various towns of eastern Oregon and Idaho. From an early age Mitch was known for a keen sense of direction, often telling people which way they should drive going to and from his relatives' houses.

In high school, Mitch was not the most studious and had a bit of a wild spirit for getting into trouble, but he enjoyed woodworking and building things by hand. After graduation, he joined his brother Joe at the University of Idaho where he began studying Architecture. After two years in college he was called into service for his country on August 11, 1965. Enlisting in the Army would be a pivotal moment in Mitch’s life, providing a structure for a lifelong journey defined by a strong work ethic and meeting his life-long partner Margaret.

Mitch excelled in the structure of military life earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant in Company B, 6th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces Battalion. While on duty at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia he met Margaret Anne Hardy where a first date at Shoney’s blossomed into 58 years of faithful marriage.

After his military service, Mitch and Margaret settled in Atlanta. He enrolled and finished his pursuit of a degree in Architecture at Georgia Tech graduating in 1977. He balanced his dedication to a professional career in architecture and construction by attending nearly every athletic event at his alma mater. He would eventually extend his love for Georgia Tech and its athletic teams to his children Gary and Kristin. Many fall Saturdays were spent filled with laughter and the warmth of friendships while tailgating on campus.

Mitch’s do-it-yourself attitude fueled his passion for work around the Blackwell house. An adventure that started in 1971 with the purchase of their first home became the lifelong pursuit to renovate the home. He enjoyed nearly all aspects of construction - framing walls, installing plumbing and electrical, roofing, and even driving Bobcats to reshape the front yard. He followed his passion for architecture and construction working for several firms in Atlanta. With his sharp mind and a wealth of construction knowledge he would continue working until the age of 80.

Mitch is survived by his wife, Margaret; his son, Gary Blackwell (Nora) of Portland, Oregon; his daughter, Kristin Clement (Rich) of Atlanta, Georgia; and his grandchildren, Kier Blackwell, Amina Blackwell, Carmen Clement, and Veronica Clement. And his sweet cat, Kit Kit. He is also survived by his brother, Joe Blackwell (Cindi) of Vancouver, Washington. Inurnment will be private and for family only. And a celebration of life will be held at a later date for extended family and friends.

He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. However, due to environmental concerns and definite fines from local governments, the family will not honor Mitch's request that he be buried in his beloved 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mitch’s name to the Atlanta Neuroscience Institute, Georgia Tech’s School of Architecture, or to Gary Sinise Foundation.