September 8, 1958 – June 9, 2026
Reverend Michael Duane Blackstock, age 67, of Resaca, Georgia, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday morning, June 9, 2026, at his residence. While his family and friends grieve his passing, they rejoice in knowing that he has heard the words he longed for all his life: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Michael was born on September 8, 1958, in Rome, Georgia, the son of the late Glynn Hudson Blackstock and Callie Chastain Worley Blackstock. He was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Reverend Kenneth and Linda Blackstock; sisters, Karen Marie Blackstock and Kathy Diane Blackstock; and his beloved grandparents, Edd and Alice Powell Worley and James C. and Ludie Estelle Defoor Blackstock, Sr.
A 1978 graduate of Calhoun High School, Michael faithfully worked for many years at LX Hausys America, Inc. Yet his greatest calling was not found in his occupation, but in his service to Christ. Having answered the call of God upon his life, he was ordained into the Baptist ministry in 1984. For more than four decades, he faithfully preached the Gospel, shepherded God's people, and devoted himself to caring for others with a pastor’s heart. He served Lindsey Memorial Baptist Church for six years, Beulah Land Baptist Church for twenty-seven years, and was faithfully serving Russell Hill Baptist Church in Sugar Valley at the time of his passing.
Those who knew Michael knew a man whose life was centered on Jesus Christ. He loved the Lord with all his heart and dedicated his life to sharing the message of salvation. He was a compassionate shepherd who prayed for his congregation, rejoiced with those who rejoiced, wept with those who wept, and never hesitated to offer encouragement, counsel, or a listening ear. His faith was genuine, his testimony unwavering, and his greatest desire was to see others come to know the Savior he loved so dearly.
While Michael faithfully served the church, his greatest earthly treasures were found within his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and adoring great-grandfather. Above all, he cherished the beautiful life he shared with his soulmate and best friend, Deborah “Debbie” Slaven Blackstock. Together they built a home founded on faith, love, and commitment, and recently celebrated forty-eight years of marriage on March 31, 2026. Their love story was a testimony of devotion, partnership, and God's blessings through every season of life.
Michael leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Debbie Blackstock of the residence; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Jennifer Blackstock of Resaca, Georgia; daughter, Michelle Steward of Resaca, Georgia; grandchildren, Montana and Trent Lemons, Austin Blackstock and Cady Jackson, Kade Steward, and Leighton Steward; great-grandchildren, Lillie Lemons and twins Amelia Lemons and Carter Lemons; and eagerly anticipated great-grandson, Cohen Blackstock, expected to arrive in just a few weeks.
He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jackie and Charlotte Blackstock of Pensacola, Florida; special friends, Ronnie and Lisa Cochran of Resaca, Georgia; special cousins, Reverend Harold Blackstock, Herbert Blackstock, and Bobby Blackstock, all of Calhoun, Georgia; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, church family members, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his ministry and love.
Though Reverend Blackstock's voice has been silenced on earth, the legacy of his faith, his shepherd's heart, his love for his family, and his devotion to Christ will continue for generations. His life was a testimony of grace, service, and unwavering trust in God.
Services to celebrate the life of Reverend Michael Duane Blackstock will be held Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Ponders Calhoun Chapel with Reverend Roger Stover officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery at Hall Memorial. Serving as pallbearers will be Charles Gentry, Juan Zamora, Kade Steward, Austin Blackstock, Trent Lemons, and Leighton Steward.
The family will receive friends at Ponders Calhoun Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Saturday, and after 12:00 noon Sunday until the service hour.
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