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Dill Blackwell didn't hang it up when he retired from the Social Security Administration.

At 51, he launched a second career that took him through five terms in the state House, a series of local and state appointments and most recently chairing the Legislative Audit Council.

Blackwell died Thursday at age 77.

"Dill could look at a problem, push people to ask the right questions and look for solutions," said state Rep. Harry Cato, R-Travelers Rest, who won the northern Greenville County District 17 seat in 1990 when Blackwell opted against a sixth term.

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He described the conservative Democrat as "a truly frugal guy" who was well-suited to the LAC post. Most recently, Blackwell oversaw an audit of the state Department of Transportation that triggered hearings and legislation aimed at making the agency more accountable.

"He was a true public servant, community-minded person who wanted to serve and make a difference," Cato said.

Blackwell went to work for the federal government after graduating from Furman University, eventually holding a number of management posts in Georgia and South Carolina.

He was a member of Travelers Rest United Methodist Church, past president of the North Greenville Rotary Club, former chairman of the North Greenville County Hospital District Commission and a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto.

The family will receive friends in the Garden Room of Daniel Chapel at Furman University at 3 p.m. Saturday. A memorial service in Daniel Chapel will follow at 4 p.m.