TITLE: In memory of Charles Thomas Blackwell.

SUMMARY: In memory of Charles Thomas Blackwell.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Charles Thomas Blackwell, who died January 9, 2013, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Born on March 12, 1930, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mr. Blackwell was an accomplished actor, poet, community activist, and history buff; he was also a proud veteran of the Korean War and an executive with Boy Scouts of America; and WHEREAS, As a young man, Mr. Blackwell attended Erskine College, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Houston; his love for the theater soon led him to New York City, where his talent landed him in the original cast of Arthur Miller's "Incident at Vichy" and where he became a member of the Lincoln Center Repertory Theater; during this time, he also made periodic appearances as a stand-up comedian and toured with Kathryn Grayson in "Showboat"; and WHEREAS, In the late 1960s, Mr. Blackwell returned home to York, South Carolina, where he would launch several small businesses, including Blackwell Furniture Company; in York, he also found an outlet for his creative talents, directing regional theater productions and promoting his lifelong passion for dancing the Shag, a national sensation he helped originate in the 1940s on the shores of Myrtle Beach; and WHEREAS, This illustrious, multitalented citizen was also passionate about politics and served as the chairman of the South Carolina Libertarian Party in the 1970s and was locally active in York politics; he was married to Martha McKnight Blackwell for almost 45 years, and they were blessed with four children and five grandchildren; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Charles Thomas Blackwell; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Charles Thomas Blackwell. Watson President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 4, 2013, by a rising vote.