Blackville Public Schools Alumni Association, Inc.

10/17/2025

10/14/2025

( Leadership Opportunity )

BPSAA, Inc. is seeking a dynamic Executive Director and supporting staff to help elevate the BPSAA Hall of Fame Induction to the next level.

Interested candidates are invited to email a résumé to [email protected] or text 803-662-2153 for more information.

10/02/2025

Mr. Athel Dowling
***Community Highlight: Mr. Athel Dowling on Sunday, October 5, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m., Barnwell State Park (Blatt Center)***

Mr. Athel Dowling, affectionately known as “Buster,” is being inducted posthumously into the BPSAA Hall of Fame in recognition of his excellence as both a football and baseball player.

Born on June 14, 1951, in Blackville, South Carolina, Buster was the beloved son of Mr. Johnny Dowling, Sr. and Mrs. Kary Taylor-Dowling. He was the fourth of thirteen children in a close-knit family where the values of education, faith, and discipline were instilled at an early age. He attended Macedonia School in Blackville and grew up as a member of Rosemary Baptist Church in Barnwell, South Carolina.

A proud graduate of Macedonia High School, Class of 1970, Buster’s athletic career began in the late 1950’s when he first showed his talent as a sprinter during Macedonia School’s Annual “May Day” activities. His speed and natural athleticism soon led him to excel on the football field as a halfback and on the baseball diamond as a centerfielder, where he earned numerous trophies and recognitions for his outstanding play.

In June 1970, Buster relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he began a new chapter of life. Over the next 55 years, he built a lasting legacy in his adopted city. He worked in various fields before pursuing his passion at one of Philadelphia’s top tailoring schools. His skill and artistry quickly earned him the reputation as the “Best Tailor in Philly.”

Buster’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He was married to Mrs. Linda Benson-Dowling and was the devoted father of Anetra, Murphy, and Ivory. He cherished his role as grandfather to eight grandchildren—Shadaya, Damontay, Nadira, Kentaya, Kristofer, Richie, Quinton, and Alexis—and great-grandfather to two great-grandchildren, Annette and Re-Re.

Buster Dowling’s life reflects the values of perseverance, excellence, and family devotion. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and tonight, we celebrate his remarkable contributions as we welcome him into the BPSAA Hall of Fame,

His favorite song is “ Get On Up” by James Brown.

MacedoniaHighSchool # Philly # AnetraDowling # BlackvilleHighSchool # BlackvilleSC # TheCityofBrotheringLove # Sports # Football # Baseball # DowlingFamily # Getonup #

09/18/2025

Mr. Earl Nix, Jr.

Mr. Earl Nix is being inducted into the Blackville Public Schools Alumni Association Hall of Fame as an outstanding athlete and exemplary community service.

Earl was born in Bamberg, South Carolina in 1965 to Ms. Eloyse “Peggy” Nix. He is a graduate of Blackville-Hilda High School in 1984. He was nominated as “Most Popular and Most Spirit” in his senior class.

Mr. Nix is married to Mrs. Angilee Brodus-Nix and the father of three children, Christopher Master, Kendall Nix, and Jordan Jackson. He has one grandson, Brayle Flowers. He is a member of Mt. Hope Baptist Church in Martin, South Carolina.

Mr. Nix played football for more than 12 years from Peewee, Midget, Banner, JV, and Varsity teams. He received recognition as:

• South Carolina High School Class A Football Champion (1983)
• BHHS Football 1981-1983 (All Conference) Offense and Defense
• Track (1981& 1982)
• Baseball (1982 &1983)
• Basketball 1982)
• Hawk of the Year (2018)
Presently, Mr. Nix plays Senior Flag Football with Team 79ers in Blackville, South Carolina.
Earl’s community involvements are:

• The Town of Blackville Recreation Assistant Director and Director (4 years)
• The Town of Blackville Recreation Board Member (5 years)
• The Town of Blackville Recreation Football Coach (3 years)
• President, Martin Brotherhood Association (2 years)
• Member, Fairfax Community Action Outreach Group
• The Town of Martin Fire Commissioner (10 years)
• 2016 Certificate of Recognition “Male Night Out”

Mr. Nix’s favorite song is “You’ve Changed this life of Mine” by Lee Williams

A Special thanks to my football teammates for your support as follows: Mr. James Dunbar, Mr. Arthur Newton, Mr. Keith Jackson, Mr. Willie Ferguson, Mr. Henry Jones, Mr. David Dowling, Mr. Clary Williams, Mr. Larry Dunbar, Mr. Stevie Still, Mr. Emmit Odom, Mr. Barry Armstrong, Mr. Anthony Thomas, Mr. Robert St Louis, and Mr. Michael Jackson.

Blackville Museum

08/10/2025

Mr. Barry Lenzie Armstrong, Sr.

***Community Highlight: Barry Armstrong on Sunday, October 5, 2025 @ 4:00 p.m., Barnwell State Park (Blatt Center)***

Barry Lenzie Armstrong is being inducted into the Blackville Public Schools Alumni Association Hall of Fame for his outstanding athleticism while enrolled in Blackville-Hilda High School and for his community services to the youth of the Blackville community.

Barry has been married to his High School sweetheart, Judy Armstrong for 35 years. To this union, they were blessed with three children: Joey, Skylaer, and Barry, Jr. He is very proud of his seven grandchildren: Kennedy, Jaiden, Brayton, Braxton, Konnor, Joye, and Willow. He is a member of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Blackville, SC.

Barry is a 1984 graduate of Blackville Hilda High School where he was an outstanding athlete who participated in Baseball, football, and track. Barry was Track All American in 1984 and held the State record for the 100 Meter Dash (10.63) for eight (8) years. He won State Championship Awards for Track and Field in his Junior and Senior years.

Barry was a community volunteer for the Blackville Area. He was a coach for Little League Football and Intramural Basketball for approximately 20 years. He supported the youth at Blackville by providing a meal for them prior to important football games.

Barry’s favorite song is, “You Know My Name” by Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and his life’s motto/favorite scripture is found in Phillipians1:13-“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THRU CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME.”