Representative Blackwood was born in Charlotte, NC, in 1942 and resides in Union County with his wife, Audrey, and has two grown children. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church he has participated in ten foreign missions and several local mission teams. He is also a Life member of Kiwanis International, Scottish Society of the Waxhaws, Clan Douglas.

After attending Mecklenburg County Public Schools he graduated from Gordon Military Academy in Barnsville, GA. He holds a B.A. degree in History from University of Georgia, an M.Ed. degree in Administration from Ohio University, and an Ed.D. degree in Curriculum and Administration from the University of Georgia. His professional credentials include: Teacher and Principal, 1965-1983; Businessman, property owner and management, 1980-present.

His legislative service began when he was elected to the NC House to serve for for District 73 2002-2004 term and continues as the representative for District 68 through 2007. His committee involvement includes Education; the Education Subcommittee on Pre-School, Elementary and Secondary Education; Environment and Natural Resources; Finance; Vice Chair of the Occupational Safety and Health committee and the Ways and Means committee.

He has also been active as Co-chair of the Joint Select Committee on Workforce Needs; active in the Committee on Street Gang Prevention, the Committee on Child Abuse, Neglect, Foster Care and Adoption and the Select Committee on the Rising Cost of Health Care as well ans the Select Committee on Students on Long-Term Suspension.

His professional commitee activities include participation the American Legislative Exchange Council Education Task Force and the National Conference of State Legislatures Environment and Natural Resources Standing Committee.