Obituary of Parley Richard Blackwelder

Parley Richard Blackwelder, 87, of Haines City, FL passed away on May 17, 2022 with his loving companion Edna Willis by his side. 

Richard was born on February 14, 1935 in Santa Fe, New Mexico and moved to Haines City when he was a young boy. He graduated from Haines City High School and Florida Southern College. After college, he joined the National Guard and was stationed in Ft Sill, OK and after the Army he moved to Chicago before returning to Haines City to work in the Citrus Industry. He was a pioneer in the fresh squeezed orange juice business opening Blackwelder Groves in the early 70's. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Parley and Susie; brothers, Ferg and Johnny; and sister, Emma Kay Brown. He is survived by his daughthers, Julie (Bill) Stalnaker, Judy (CJ) Brown, and Stacey Smilee; granddaughters, Shelley Stalnaker, and Alexa Stalnaker; and great granddaughter, Luna. 

He was an avid Florida Gator Fan and loved spending time with his family and friends. 

There will be a Celebration of Life at on Saturday, Jul 23, 2022 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Southern Dunes Golf and Country Club.