Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
The Blackville community is mourning the loss of long-serving councilman, Kelvin Isaac, who died on May 14, 2025.
A Blackville native and proud Class of 1973 graduate, Isaac’s love for Blackville was apparent. It was heard in the way he spoke at public meetings, seen in the actions he took to ensure the town’s prosperity, and felt in the way he took genuine concern in issues facing his community and residents.
“It is my desire that the Town of Blackville be the very best it can be. I love my hometown,” Isaac once told The People-Sentinel of why serving is important.
“He always had a special way of communicating with you and understanding the needs of the people whomever he was in contact with,” remembers Barnwell County Councilman and former Blackville Town Councilman David Kenner. “His love for fairness, equality and the overall benefit of Blackville is unquestionable.”
In his 22 years on council, Isaac’s service was rooted in love for his hometown and each of its residents, coupled with the desire to see his community thrive.
“His passing will leave a void in our town’s history. Councilman Isaac would often share history with us on how certain things got started in this town. He will be truly missed as a council member, citizen of the town, and a person,” said Blackville Mayor Ronnie Pernell.
“Mr. Isaac faithfully served the constituents of Blackville with integrity, compassion, and a tireless dedication to community improvement,” said former mayor of Blackville Michael Beasley.
Beasley remembers turning to Isaac, a senior member of council, when faced with big decisions during their 12 years of serving together; “His insights were rooted in wisdom, his voice carried the concerns of the people, and his actions reflected a deep love for our town. Together, we witnessed the positive outcomes of his leadership in infrastructure improvements, neighborhood initiatives, and efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents.”
Isaac was a mentor to junior council members such as Enterick Lee. The two served alongside one another for four years, and would often “talk about town issues, what we would like to see the town move towards, and what's best for the citizens,” said Lee.
Lee remembers Isaac’s dedication to Blackville in his early morning phone calls amidst an urgent matter, showing he never was ‘off the clock’ when it came to serving the community.
“I appreciated his boldness and dedication to serve his hometown for 22 years,” said Lee. “He will truly be missed!!”
Mayor Pernell served alongside Isaac for nearly three years. He knew Isaac to be “service oriented” and “really loved his town,” said Mayor Pernell.
“Councilman Isaac has been one of my biggest encouragers. He would often tell me, ‘Just keep doing what you’re doing and don’t quit, we got your back,’ because there have been many times I just wanted to throw in the towel. His words and his examples showed me that I can do it,” said Mayor Pernell.
In addition to his service to his hometown, he served for many years on the Allendale-Barnwell Counties Disabilities and Special Needs Board, ensuring the needs of individuals receiving local and state services were met.
Isaac’s passion for servitude began long before he was elected to councils and boards. Isaac served in the United States Army as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, and was honorably discharged following his service.
He even made history as the first male graduate of Denmark Technical College where he earned an associate degree in business. After this triumph, he continued on to earn a bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Voorhees University in 2006. In 2018, he completed a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and earned a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy from Liberty's Helms School of Government in 2019.
In 2021, he was inducted into the Blackville Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame for his civic leadership, mentorship, and the legacy he built as a student-athlete.
Isaac was instrumental in supporting the Blackville Downtown Development Association and its efforts to local revitalization and community growth.
“Kelvin was a faithful and hard-working member of the Blackville Downtown Development Association. He will definitely be missed,” said executive member Gwendolyn Littlejohn.
Isaac is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara, children, grandchildren, family members, and friends.
“It is my honor to have served with and learned from Mr. Isaac. He is indeed my friend and brother. He will definitely be missed but may his life and legacy live on as a shining example to all who want to be a servant of the people,” said Kenner.
“The Town of Blackville was truly fortunate to have had Councilman Kelvin Isaac among its leaders. His legacy will live on in the streets he helped improve, the lives he touched, and the spirit of service he so beautifully embodied,” said Beasley.
“Kelvin’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Blackville,” stated a letter from Isaac’s siblings.
Funeral services for Kelvin Isaac are planned for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at the Blackville Community Center.
