Carl Timothy Blackhurst

There are some people who leave fingerprints on everything they touch; engines, tools, hearts. Carl Timothy Blackhurst, known simply as Tim to everyone who loved him, was one of those people.

Born on January 24, 1955 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Bonita Henschen Shiley and William Ward Blackhurst, Tim grew up with a natural curiosity about how things worked. If it had wheels, gears, or an engine, he wanted to take it apart, figure it out, and put it back together better than before. That curiosity grew into mastery. He had over a 40+ year career in the transportation business, but those who knew him best knew he was truly a craftsman. A master of his trade. A fixer of things most of us would have given up on.

But work was only part of who he was.

Home was his kingdom, especially his beloved “garage-ma-hal.” There, surrounded by tools, projects, and the steady hum of possibility, Tim found joy. You could often hear his stereo playing just a little too loud while he tinkered away, perfectly content. Car shows were another favorite pastime, particularly when he could proudly show off his “red car,” a reflection of both his patience and his pride.

Yet for all his love of engines and chrome, nothing shined brighter in his life than his family.

For 41 years, he shared a devoted marriage with his loving wife, Heidi Blackhurst. Together they built a life centered on loyalty, hard work, and quiet strength. He was a steady presence for his daughters, Kelli Blackhurst Bennett and Whitney Blackhurst Shaw (Daniel), always ready with advice, a helping hand, or simply the reassurance that he would handle whatever needed fixing.

And then came his greatest joy, his grandson, Patrick Shaw who was the true apple of his eye. Whether at a ball game in the stands or talking proudly about him to anyone who would listen, Tim’s face lit up at the mention of his grandson. In those moments, you could see exactly what mattered most to him.

Tim is survived by his wife, Heidi; daughters, Kelli and Whitney (Daniel); his cherished grandson, Patrick; and his mother, Bonnie Shiley. He is also survived by his siblings, Dana Blackhurst (Jan), Nick Blackhurst, Ben Shiley, and Caroline Blackhurst Houck (Ward); as well as many nieces and nephews. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Bill Blackhurst; and stepmother, Karin Blackhurst.

Tim’s legacy isn’t only found in the miles he traveled or the engines he repaired. It lives on in the lessons he taught, those about loyalty, craftsmanship, perseverance, and love. It lives in every ballgame attended, every project completed, every song played just a little too loud.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 5th, from 5 p.m. at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville Chapel.

Though the garage may be quieter now, the impact of his life will echo for generations.

He built things that lasted. Most importantly, he built a family that will carry his strength forward.

The family would like to thank Dr. Stockholm, Dr. Travis, Dr. Day and all of the nurses at Lexington Medical Center for their compassionate care.