Bernie Blackwell
Now
I own a computer store. We build desktop computers, repair laptops and desktops, design and support small business network systems. A majority of the income is derived from virus removal and system optimizations.
My daughter is a certified personal trainer and John is a State Farm Agent. My three grandchildren: Mary will be a freshman at Ole Miss this fall. Anna and Eli are 15. Anna is a high school cheerleader and Eli is a 6'-5" basketball and football player.
Jonathan is a Graphics Designer and is wife Beth is an Interior Designer. They are expecting a baby girl in August.
Phillp is an Internet Marketing Guru, etc. and Eden is a health systems consultant.
Caleb is a Theatrical Costume Designer.
I am currently a member of the Magee Lions Club and attend Church Alive. My wife Joycelyn is a retired middle school science and math teacher.
Since CHS
July 1966 I was sworn into the US Army as a Cadet at West Point (USMA). Complications resulting from a high school football injury, I was medically discharged from the service. 1970 I graduated from Mississippi College. I played college football with a draft deferment classification 4F (unfit for military service). 1971 I completed one year of law school at the University of Mississippi. 1971-1976 I was a teacher and coached football and track & field at Forest Hill HS and Natchez Adams High School. 1976 I took the position as Vice President and manager of a family owned clothing business and computerize the operations. 1987 I took the position VP in charge of Product Development for a retail accounting system sold by MISSCO Management Systems. Due to a system design fault, the system could not survive beyond 1999 (Y2K). The system was sold to a firm in Denver CO and I assisted the transfer over a two month period. I then transfered to the Miss School Supply division of MISSCO Corp. I organized and developed a project management plan to supervise installation of science lab equipment, auditorium seating, gymnasium bleachers and equipment, etc. I directly managed five states before additional personnel were hired. 2010 I and several other people were laid off as a result of economic down sizing. 2011 Unable to find a job, my son Phillip and I started a computer consulting and repair business, Computer Rx in Magee, MS. (can't find a job, make a job).
CHS Years
After football practice in 1964, Dave Gariga was taking me home. All of a sudden Dave turns the volume on the radio all the way up to blast the Beatles tune "I want to hold your hand". Dave went crazy and I said "WHAT!!?"...........On another occasion Dave picked me up, I got in the car and Dave hands me a can. I took a big gulp then sprayed beer all over the inside of his car. It was beer!! Beer had never touched these virgin lips. To this day I have not acquired a taste for the beverage, Thanks Dave! ............... Some may remember in 1964 I received a broken leg playing football and was in a body cast. I came to class on a stretcher, thanks to the guys for putting me at the front of the class. Later that year I was at a basketball game in Morton and a guy named Westerfield came over and sat near me. he said " I am the one that took you out, the coach told me to do it". I responded "I already knew that, I just didn't know your name. You must be very proud". I have never been a person to fight without an equalizer, but at that moment I wanted to.
Bonus
In 1969 I and a student from Jackson State University were appointed to President Richard Nixon's "Youth Advisor Board to Selective Service". The ten advisors (selected from five states) were flow to Los Angeles, CA, then taken to San Clemente Island. We met with Bud Wilkerson, the President's advisor. The whole party was designed to earn support for the president. The unique event happened when we two Mississippi delegates (one white the other black) went to check in at the hotel. I looked around and saw lights, cameras and reporters all around. The desk clerk ask will that be one room or two rooms? I turned to my companion and ask, "You don't bite do you?". He replied "no". I said "We will share the room". Deflated the press shut down. (I really don't know what made me do that!)
My 3 Grands