Readis Blackwell, Jr., was born to Louella Parkman Blackwell and Readis Blackwell, Sr., in Oakvale, Mississippi. He was the 3rd child born of this union, which left a rich legacy of 9 children. Readis was a country boy at heart! He was educated in the Prentiss Public School system in Prentiss, Mississippi. Readis was affectionately known as "Toy" by his childhood friends and family, while many friends in Boston knew him as, "Reeman".

Readis accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized at an early age, as a member of the Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in Oakvale, MS. He served on the usher board under the leadership of his late paternal grandmother, Pearl D. Blackwell.

After graduating from high school in 1970, Readis moved to Boston, Massachusetts. In 1972, he met Anne, the love of his life, with whom he shared two daughters, Amy and Melissa Poirier. His only son, Dion, was born in 1974.

Readis was a hard worker who believed in collective responsibility and the idea behind Genesis 3:19, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat." With this, he was always willing to help and was often one of the first people to contribute to any family initiative. He worked for various companies throughout his career, including Allied Container, General Motors, New England Chain Link Fence, Reliable Fence, McCoy Fence, and finally Steelco Fence Company, where he ultimately retired.

Readis joined the Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Samuel Byron Hogan, Sr. He worked in the vineyard, becoming a deacon, member of the Good Shepherds (male chorus) and leader of the church security team. Deacon Blackwell took his roles seriously, supporting them until his health declined. Even then, Deacon Blackwell was passionate about spreading the word of God to anyone that would listen.

A dedicated fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Celtics, Readis also loved fishing and vacationing, especially at Old Orchard Beach in Maine. After retiring, he discovered a passion for gardening. His garden became a source of pride, as he cultivated an assortment of vegetables and flowers that he would share with his family, friends, and neighbors.

Readis was preceded in death by his parents, Louella Parkman Blackwell and Readis Blackwell, Sr.; his sister, Sarah Barnes; his brother, Willie Blackwell; and his niece, Quintessa Blackwell. He leaves behind his son Dion Webb; daughters Amy Poirier and Melissa (Cliffton) Ward; and the mother of his daughters, Anne Poirier. He is also survived by six grandchildren—Daija, Jada, Jasmine, Tyrell, Jeremiah, and Alaya—and his siblings: Joseph McGee, Sedgie Ray (Gwendolyn) Blackwell, Scott Blackwell, B. Dianne (Raymond) Martin, Lynder (Edward) Thomas, Brenda (James) Harmon, all of Boston, MA, and Patricia (Royzell) Pitts of McDonough, GA., sister-in-law; Yolanda Blackwell. In addition, he is affectionately remembered by four aunts, one uncle, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends