William (Billy) Backwell, 63, of Free Union, died at a local hospital on December 22, 2014. He was born on January 16, 1951 to the late James C. Blackwell, Sr. and Betty Ruth Blackwell. He was preceded in death by one brother, James (JC) Blackwell, Jr. and brother-in-law, Shorty Hunt, two nephews, Wayne Wood and Glenn Hunt.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Deborah (Debbie) Blackwell, and two daughters, Buffy Blackwell and husband Keith Clarkson of Free Union, Billie Jo and husband Peter King of Keswick, VA, one son, Bradley and wife, Janie Blackwell of Scottsville, VA

He is survived by three sisters, Ruth Hunt of Crozet,VA, Mary Ellen Ford and husband Keith of Blackwells Hollow, Crozet, VA, and Crystal Pace and husband Todd of Troy, VA, one sister-in-law, Lynn Blackwell of Fulton, NY; five grandchildren, Chris, Cody, Bailey, Ashley, Emily, and one great-grandchild, Caden, and a beloved friend and caretaker, Robin Birch.

He was retired from the Lance Corporation as a route salesman.

The family will receive friends at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, December 26, 2014 from 6-8 pm.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the Sandridge Family Cemetery in White Hall, VA. Pastor Buzzy Holbert, and Rev. Mary Lillian Boyde will officiate.

Anderson Funeral Service of Crozet is in charge of arrangements.