Dexter was born in Danville, Virginia on January 25, 1968 to Cordie Mae Hairston and David Preston Lee Davis (predeceased)
Dexter Lee Blackstock was a remarkable man with a rich legacy of love, integrity, courage, and faith. He leaves these wonderful memories to cherish to his devoted and loving wife of 28 years Ravette Steele; two amazing daughters, D’Arie Gabrielle and Harmoni Jarel Blackstock. His mother, Cordie Mae Hairston; three sisters, Daphne Blackstock, Tiffeney Blackstock Fitzgerald (Cassell), and Althea Davis Brandon; and one brother, Oneiko Jay Davis. His extended family Dr. Robert and Mary Lewis Ash; two sisters, Susan Ash and Katie Kitchin; three maternal aunts, one uncle and one great aunt, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends to cherish his memories.
Mission Readiness: Dexter gave his life to Christ at the early age of twelve years old at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Danville, Virginia. He graduated in 1986 from Dan River High School, home of the Wild Cats. He continued his education at Old Dominion University earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (1991) a Masters In System Engineering (1997) and the completion of his Philosophy Doctoral coursework in Engineering Management, (1998, ABD). Dexter earned numerous accolades and awards at Old Dominion University as an Engineering Fellows Scholarship recipient, Outstanding Engineering Teaching Assistant, and a Project Research Scholar.
Roll out: Dexter married the love of his life, Ravette Steele Blackstock October 20, 1995 and to the union two beautiful daddy’s girls were born D’Arie Gabrielle and Harmoni Jarel Blackstock. He worked extensively to provide a strong spiritual, intellectual, and impactful life for his family. He supported his family with his employment as an engineer. Despite his disability, he had a strong and determined work ethic. He worked long summers pulling tobacco in the tobacco fields and on the farm with his cousins. He started his career briefly at Ford Motor Company as a supervisor. He served as an adjunct professor and graduate studies professor in Calculus, Statistics, and College Algebra at Old Dominion University, Tidewater Community College and Tidewater Tech. He served as an Upward Bound Math tutor and mentor for Big Brothers and Sisters of America. Dexter avidly volunteered and served on the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation, Boys and Girls Club Southeastern Virginia, NASA Speakers’ Bureau, STEM representative, and he volunteered his time tutoring countless individuals in the areas of math and science as a labor of love.
Fueling : Dexter’s formative career was launched in 2000 at NASA Langley Research Center as an Electronics Engineer, Data Systems Engineer, General Engineer, Research Engineer and COR for Multi-Million dollar NASA Langley Contracts. Until his untimely departure, Dexter served as Data Systems Engineer, Research Directorate conducting analytics and studies for Wind Tunnels. He had a plethora of Professional Publications including “The Use of Vertical Obstruction Data in a Synthetic Vision System keynote speaker: 2002” and “An Analytical Comparison of COTS Geographical Databases through the Use of Error Distributions” and many more.
Pre-Launch Checks: Dexter’s Professional and Social Affiliations: National Society Black Engineers, (NSBE) Future Minority Engineering Society, (FMES), Old Dominion University Black Alumni, Delta Beta Lambda Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. STEM representative, NASA Speaker’s Bureau, Jolliff Middle Watchdog Dad, Board of Chesapeake Juneteenth Foundation, Middle School/High School Sunday School Instructor, Common Ground Community Church, and Professional Published Author.
Lift Off: Dexter lived life purposely and fulfilling with his family and friends. He never stopped advocating, giving, and serving his community and his fellow man selflessly. He was initiated into Delta Beta Lambda Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Spring 2020, served as Housing Foundation Treasure and planned on the LDI committee providing mentorship and scholarship support. Dexter had many hobbies and gifts he shared with others. He had a passion for cooking, gardening, cycling, and carpentry. You could always find him watching Superhero and Sci-Fi movies and TV shows, with his favorite hero being Batman and his favorite TV show being Star Trek. Dexter was an avid sports fan, he consistently cheered for his favorite teams the Old Dominion Monarchs, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Dexter’s key to life was: “Never take the path of least resistance & “Always play to your strengths”, this aptly showed his commitment to social justice issues and his drive to help others succeed. His life verses Psalm 37: 21-22 to forever cherish and live by. You’ve fought the good fight and finished your course, now your final launch is heaven bound. We love and will forever miss your presence here on Earth ~ Mission Accomplished & Completed
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Personal Service, Peace of Mind, Pleasant Memories
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Valerie Taylor says
January 5, 2024 at 9:49 pmDear family, we are so sorry about Dexter & pray for God’s healing & comfort to you.
Valerie & Larry Taylor
William Matthews says
January 6, 2024 at 1:58 amMy sincere condolences to the Blackstock Family and my friend Ravette. When someone you love becomes a memory their memory becomes a Treasure🙏🙏🙏
Deryl Winborne says
January 6, 2024 at 5:08 pmMy sincere condolences to you and your family. Memories remain in your heart forever.
Shay Duncan says
January 11, 2024 at 11:43 amMy heart hurts in tandem with you the Blackstock family during this difficult time.
Rev. Myra Payne says
January 7, 2024 at 11:26 amMy condolences to you and the family. Hold to God’s hand and may God’s Blessed Spirit keep you in perfect peace.
Shinah says
January 7, 2024 at 11:59 amMy sincere condolences to the family…I will truly miss my brother & my friend…he was always looking out for me…Revette, know that I’m here for you…so please do not hesitate to call on me…Love you all dearly🙏🙏🙏
Bob and Mary Lewis Ash says
January 7, 2024 at 1:07 pmWe loved Dexter as a son and are so proud of all that he accomplished. A wonderful and loving husband and father – a man of strong faith. We will miss our special phone calls.
Ash Family says
January 9, 2024 at 5:37 pmDexter always said he was really from Ringgold, VA a “suburb” of Danville. While we considered him to be the most famous person from Ringgold, he was quick to name a couple of professional football players. His accomplishments will outlive them.
Dexter arrived at ODU as an outgoing indomitable spirit who somehow adopted me as a “coach.” He seemed to always have some interesting topic to discuss or a question about this or that and would come by my office to chat. He and our oldest daughter, Susan, are nearly the same age and we gradually started calling him her adopted brother.
Dexter never met a person he didn’t like. He was selected by NASA Johnson Space Center for an internship the summer after he led an ODU capstone design project. Results from the ODU project were to be presented at a meeting in Coco Beach, FL and he was to meet his ODU teammates after he arrived from Houston at the Orlando airport. That was when we realized the airport was huge and didn’t think we had a chance of finding him. One of the students said “How are we ever going to find Dexter?” That was when a complete stranger asked us if we were looking for Dexter Blackstock and told us where he had gone. He was magnetic. He lived with us for six weeks after he earned his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, working first at the Ford Assembly plant before earning advanced degrees and joining NASA.
When he introduced us to Ravette, I think we told him he was really moving up. What an honor to be asked to be his Best Man at their wedding!
Dexter and Ravette have raised two incredible daughters—both have graduated from college and are moving on with their lives. Mary Lewis and I have tried to claim them as our adopted grandchildren. It has truly been an honor to be a small part of Dexter Blackstock’s life.
Bernadette says
January 7, 2024 at 5:13 pmMay you be touched by the healing power of prayer. My thoughts and prayers are with you, in deepest sympathy.
Adgerene Johnson says
January 7, 2024 at 9:43 pmOur sincere condolences to and the family. May you find comfort knowing he is with his Lord and Savior. Be strong family !!!
Sherry says
January 7, 2024 at 10:31 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am glad we got the chance to see each other back in May, I really enjoyed u guys. Rest easy cousin til we meet again
Venus Powell says
January 8, 2024 at 1:51 pmSending my condolences to your family for healing and strength.
Eileen Scott says
January 8, 2024 at 2:28 pmMy deepest sympathy to Ravette and your daughters!!
Praying 🙏🏼
Timeeka McFadden says
January 8, 2024 at 2:49 pmI want to express my sincerest condolences to Ravette, D’Arie, Harmoni, and all friends and family of the Blackstocks. Losing someone as special as Dexter is a heart-wrenching experience, and my thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Dexter was a truly amazing person who touched the lives of so many people. He will be remembered for his kind heart, infectious smile, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones. His passing is a great loss.
I pray that you find comfort in the Lord and the love of those around you. Dexter’s spirit will live on forever in the memories and hearts of those who knew him.
Rudy King says
January 8, 2024 at 4:45 pmMy sincere condolences to Ravette, D’Arie, Harmoni and other family members. Dexter was a dear friend and will truly be missed. My continued prayer for strength and peace to the family.
Parnell Sessoms says
January 8, 2024 at 9:57 pmI send my deepest condolences to Ravette and the family. She was a former colleague when she worked at Western Branch Middle School. I never met Dexter but I admired his life of love for his family, his desire to live life to the fullest, and his strength through the years as I observed the family’s memories on Facebook. God, now, has a good man.
Adrian Torres Meade says
January 9, 2024 at 10:19 amI want to express my sincerest condolences to Ravette, D’Arie, Harmoni, and all of Dexter’s friends and family.
Dexter and Ravette were my neighbors for about 10 years, while living in Churchland. We saw that Dexter, Ravette, D’Arie, and Harmoni had a tight and loving soul-tie, not only because I watched their family adventures on Facebook (LOL), but because we were able to experience it first hand. They were very special people to us. They were always full of advice, eager to help, and my kids looked up to them. So, it broke our hearts to hear of Dexter’s passing. But we know that your family’s soul-ties will never break; they are eternal. And as Ravette stated in his obituary, he did his job well as a father, husband, son, brother, friend, frat brother, co-worker, and neighbor. He has earned his place as a great role model, and the legacy he leaves remains safe within the hands of his wife and children.
Ravette, I know that God will provide you the comfort you and your girls will need. It won’t be easy, but all of your memories of being with Dexter, including your recent trip overseas, the trip to Las Vegas to see Bruno Mars, and even the family dressing up in the matching red pajamas for Christmas this year, will show you that God allowed you the final gift of spending the most wonderful days with your wonderful man before his passing. Stand on those memories when you miss him, and stand on God’s promise that you two will see each other again.
We will never forget him, or the type of love he shared with his family.
Love,
Adrian, Jazmine, Travis, and Bryson
Bob Ash says
January 9, 2024 at 5:35 pmDexter always said he was really from Ringgold, VA a “suburb” of Danville. While we considered him to be the most famous person from Ringgold, he was quick to name a couple of professional football players. His accomplishments will outlive them.
Dexter arrived at ODU as an outgoing indomitable spirit who somehow adopted me as a “coach.” He seemed to always have some interesting topic to discuss or a question about this or that and would come by my office to chat. He and our oldest daughter, Susan, are nearly the same age and we gradually started calling him her adopted brother.
Dexter never met a person he didn’t like. He was selected by NASA Johnson Space Center for an internship the summer after he led an ODU capstone design project. Results from the ODU project were to be presented at a meeting in Coco Beach, FL and he was to meet his ODU teammates after he arrived from Houston at the Orlando airport. That was when we realized the airport was huge and didn’t think we had a chance of finding him. One of the students said “How are we ever going to find Dexter?” That was when a complete stranger asked us if we were looking for Dexter Blackstock and told us where he had gone. He was magnetic. He lived with us for six weeks after he earned his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, working first at the Ford Assembly plant before earning advanced degrees and joining NASA.
When he introduced us to Ravette, I think we told him he was really moving up. What an honor to be asked to be his Best Man at their wedding!
Dexter and Ravette have raised two incredible daughters—both have graduated from college and are moving on with their lives. Mary Lewis and I have tried to claim them as our adopted grandchildren. It has truly been an honor to be a small part of Dexter Blackstock’s life.
Ash Family says
January 9, 2024 at 5:36 pmDexter always said he was really from Ringgold, VA a “suburb” of Danville. While we considered him to be the most famous person from Ringgold, he was quick to name a couple of professional football players. His accomplishments will outlive them.
Dexter arrived at ODU as an outgoing indomitable spirit who somehow adopted me as a “coach.” He seemed to always have some interesting topic to discuss or a question about this or that and would come by my office to chat. He and our oldest daughter, Susan, are nearly the same age and we gradually started calling him her adopted brother.
Dexter never met a person he didn’t like. He was selected by NASA Johnson Space Center for an internship the summer after he led an ODU capstone design project. Results from the ODU project were to be presented at a meeting in Coco Beach, FL and he was to meet his ODU teammates after he arrived from Houston at the Orlando airport. That was when we realized the airport was huge and didn’t think we had a chance of finding him. One of the students said “How are we ever going to find Dexter?” That was when a complete stranger asked us if we were looking for Dexter Blackstock and told us where he had gone. He was magnetic. He lived with us for six weeks after he earned his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, working first at the Ford Assembly plant before earning advanced degrees and joining NASA.
When he introduced us to Ravette, I think we told him he was really moving up. What an honor to be asked to be his Best Man at their wedding!
Dexter and Ravette have raised two incredible daughters—both have graduated from college and are moving on with their lives. Mary Lewis and I have tried to claim them as our adopted grandchildren. It has truly been an honor to be a small part of Dexter Blackstock’s life.
Venetia Gunther says
January 9, 2024 at 7:23 pmMy heart is broken to know that Dexter is no longer with us. I met him and Ravette at ODU when they were both undergraduates. It has been an honor and joy to see you both achieve greatness. I’m so proud of you both. I think back to your wedding, it was marvelous affair in Richmond. Ravette, if there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. Much love to your family.
Venetia Gunther says
January 9, 2024 at 7:25 pmMy heart is broken to know that Dexter is no longer with us. I met him and Ravette at ODU when they were both undergraduates. It has been an honor and joy to see you both achieve greatness. I’m so proud of you both. I think back to your wedding, it was marvelous affair in Richmond. Ravette, if there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. Much love to your family.
John and Alice Blowe says
January 9, 2024 at 10:51 pmMy sincere condolences to you and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Alice Blowe says
January 9, 2024 at 10:52 pmMy sincere condolences to you and family.
Kathleen Griffin says
January 10, 2024 at 3:55 pmMy condolences to you and your family. May the love of our Heavenly Father continue to give you the comfort you need at this time and always!
Porshia (Jones) Brownsmith says
January 10, 2024 at 9:39 pmTo the beloved Mrs. Ravette and princess’ D’Arie and Harmoni, may God keep you, comfort you and hold you close as you rely on the memories and love of your husband and father, Mr. Dexter. We have so many beautiful memories of our families (Jones’) spending time with one another and our hearts join your hearts as we lift Mr. Dexter up to Father God and His Heavenly kingdom. To God Be the Glory, we love you very much and grieve and seek joy in Jesus with you during this time. LOVE YOU.
Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Annie Wynn Mitchell says
January 11, 2024 at 7:45 pmI am so sorry to hear about Dexter. We share the same birthday. Ravette and Dexter were the most wonderful and dedicated parents that you ever want to meet. When I taught Harmoni, they were very involved in her education. We have been good friends for many years. I am sending love and prayers to the family.
Diana Kelly says
January 11, 2024 at 9:20 pmRavetter, D’Arie, Harmoni and Family
I know it’s not easy losing your hero. I know it’s not easy to be in this world without your husband and father. I know in time God will provide you with the strength you need to reset and start again. Allow yourself time to mourn, to cry and just be still. Reflect on those beautiful memories in which you created together. You will once again laugh and feel joy, although it may be different it will be your new joy cause you have a personal angel right there beside you. As you say “Goodbye” know that your husband and father’s memory will forever live on through you and You will see Him again. Trust, Believe and have Faith.
Love,
Diana Kelly
Pamela Askew says
January 11, 2024 at 10:23 pmI’ve been away from Old Dominion for several years now, but I remember Dexter as always being kind and down to earth. I’m sure these qualities contributed to his many accomplishments. May the Lord comfort you in your time of bereavement. You all will be in my prayers. Psalm 30:5.
Craig Jones and Family says
January 12, 2024 at 12:10 amRayvette and family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dexter was always pleasant and a joy to talk to whenever we saw him. May the love of our Lord and Savior sustain you during this time of sorrow. He will see you through!
Sharon Wardell says
January 12, 2024 at 10:58 amSincere condolences to Ravette, the girls, and entire family. I first met Dexter at an ODU basketball game where he was loudly cheering on the Monarchs. Lean on the Lord through this difficult time.
Kati Carter says
January 12, 2024 at 10:20 amRavette & Family
You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to see you through. Love Kati
Robin and Willie Ward Jr and Family says
January 12, 2024 at 11:39 amDexter, we will miss you dearly. May God continue to be with Ravette, Hamoni, and DeArie to ease your pain. We will miss you, but we know you are with the angels engineering God’s work. Our sincere condolences,
Dr. Calvin Clark says
January 12, 2024 at 12:20 pmDexter (my sands) you will be missed. My condolences to Ravette and the family.
Vanessa Hill Trotter says
January 15, 2024 at 10:41 amMy condolences to your family on Dexter’s passing. I remember Dexter from FMES at ODU. He was a role model for me because he was doing graduate work and I was a freshman engineering student. Originally, I considered only getting a bachelors degree. However, I went on to complete a Masters degree because of him. I remember his intelligence and the courage he had to push through difficulties. Even though I didn’t keep in contact with him after graduation, I still remember the impact he had on developing my engineering education. I know his family, friends and the community will miss him dearly.
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