Bertie COUNTY NC Obits June 2005 ********************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nc/bertie.htm ******************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Claudia Williams Mmaker52@aol.com Bertie County North Carolina Obituaries June 2005 BEULAH BUTLER Beulah Butler was born on October 15, 1929 in Merry Hill, North Carolina to the late Lewis Heckstall and Maggie Holley Heckstall. She was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 2, 2005. After the death of Beulah's mother, she was tenderly nurtured and cared for by loving grandparents, Arthur D. and Sue D. Heckstall. Beulah joined Peterson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and remained an active member until she went to live in New York. She was educated in the Bertie County School System and was employed in New York as a Homecare Provider for children and their families until her retirement. She met and married Richard Butler. There were no children from this union. She is predeceased by her husband, Richard Butler, a loving and faithful friend of thirty years, Vernold "Vernon" Bowden; three brothers, William "Ray" Heckstall, Robert Lee "Buddy" Heckstall and George Heckstall; and one sister, Nora Riddickl To cherish her memory she leaves: a brother, James Lloyd Heckstall of Merry Hill, North Carolina; and a sister-in-law, Annie Blanche Freeman of Merry Hill, North Carolina, Mary Jones of Norfolk, Virginia and Sue Neptune of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Brooklyn, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family. Funeral services were held at Lawrence H. Woodward Funeral Home, Inc., in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday, June 12, 2005 at 6 p.m. with Rev. Craig Scott Brown, Sr. officiating. Burial followed in Calveton National Cemetery, New York. CARRIE DAIL DILLARD Carrie Dail Dillard, 82, of Edenton, NC died on June 2, 2005 in Chowan Hospital. She was born March 31, 1923 in Bertie County to the late Lila and Joshua. She was a housewife. She is survived by her son Duffy Cobb of Edenton and her daughters, Patricia Dail of New York and Avis Dail of Tyner, NC, her brother Samuel Dail of Merry Hill, her sisters, Beulah Bell and Arneice James, both of Baltimore, MD., Lila Miller of Harrellsville, NC and Julia Harris of Merry Hill, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were held at the Refreshing Center Church on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. with Elder James E. Dail officiating. Burial followed in Dillard Cemetery in Tyner. Rowsom Funeral Home of Edenton was in charge of the arrangements. SUSAN REBECCA RHODES EDWARDS Susan Rebecca Rhodes Edwards, 65, of Moneta, Virginia passed away Friday, June 3, 2005 at her home after an extended illness. Born December 2, 1939 in Windsor, NC, she was the daughter of the late Gilbert and Revah Minton Rhodes. She is survived by her husband of forty-four years, Phil S. Edwards. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters; Camille Hicks and her husband Randy of Siler City, NC and Gaye Peele of Chatham County, NC; one son, Charles Edwards and his wife Dianne of Siler City; one granddaughter, Rebecca Claire Austin also of Siler City; two brothers, Dr. Donald G. Rhodes of Melbourne, FL and Lowell M. Rhodes of Washington, NC. The family received friends Monday, June 6, 2005 from 7-9 p.m. at Smith and Buckner Funeral Home in Siler City, NC. Memorial contributions may be made to Carilion Hospice of Franklin County, 180 Floyd St., Rocky Mount, VA., 24151, American Cancer Society, Roanoke/Franklin Unit Office, 9 East Church Ave., P.O. Box 554, Roanoke, Va., 24003-0554 or a charity of your choice. Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family in Bedford, Virginia 540-586-3443. Smith Buckner Funeral Home, 919-742-2151 assisting in Siler City, NC. JAMES EDWARD JOHNSON SR. James Edward Johnson Sr. 66, of Lewiston, NC, died June 7, 2005 at Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie. He was born on August 13, 1938 in Bertie County. He was retired from Harrington Manufacturing Co. in Lewiston. He is survived by his children, James Johnson, Jr., of Franklin, TN, Michael Johnson of Raleigh, Patricia Smallwood of Kelford, NC, Kent Johnson of Chillicothe, OH, Diana Mitchell of Garner, NC, Maurice Johnson of Lewiston and Garrett Johnson of Ayers, MA, his brother, Coley Johnson of Washington, DC, sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel in Aulander on Friday, June 10, 2005 at 12:00 noon with Rev. Eugene Harris officiating. Burial followed in the Walton Family Cemetery in Kelford. Wilder's Funeral Home of Aulander was in charge of the arrangements. JOHN D. MITCHELL SR. LEWISTON-WOODVILLE - John Davis "JD" Mitchell Sr., 88, a lifetime resident of Lewiston-Woodville, died June 8, 2005, at Beaufort County Hospital in Washington, NC. Mr. Mitchell was born in Lewiston-Woodville, the son of the late Johnny S. and Elma Marsh Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was head engineer for Harrington MFG and spent more than 40 years with the company until his retirement. JD was a member of First Baptist Church of Lewiston. He was also a charter member of Lawrence Academy in Merry Hill where he was chairman of the school board. He was a former volunteer fireman and loved to fish in his spare time. JD was married to Marie Brown Mitchell for 64 years, until her death March 11, 2001. He was predeceased by four brothers and two sisters. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Ruth Mitchell, Donald and Terry Mitchell, all of Washington, NC; four daughters and sons-in-law, Ann Marie and Jimmy Alston of Edenton, Judy and Allen Futrell of Chocowinity, Toni and Aubrey Burkett of Greenville and Tammy and Carl Cooper of Lewiston-Woodville; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in First Baptist Church of Lewiston-Woodville by Dr. Greg Barmer. Burial will follow in Grace Episcopal Church yard. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, and at other times from the home of Tammy and Carl Cooper, 509 Jack Branch Road, Lewiston-Woodville. Flowers are appreciated and memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church or Grace Episcopal Church, Lewiston-Woodville. WENDELL LASSITER COLERAIN - Wendell Lassiter, 43, a native of Bertie County, died June 8, 2005 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. He was born on August 5, 1961. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Greater Wynn's Grove Baptist Church by Bishop Thomas Lee. Burial will be in Wilder-Cherry Family Cemetery, Aulander. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge. Lassiter was a member of Greater Wynn's Grove Baptist Church and was employed by Ashton Lewis Lumber Company, Gates. Survivors include his mother, Gracie Chamblee Lassiter; a brother, Michael Lassiter of Powellsville; four sisters, Linda Brinkley and Peggy Lassiter, both of Powellsville, Lisa Lassiter and Shirley Lassiter, both of Ahoskie, his special friend, Helen Holley of Merry Hill, his uncle Milton Lassiter of Aulander, Robert Chamblee of Windsor; and Donald Chamblee of Colerain, his aunts, Nancy Hinton and Nell Lassiter, both of Colerain, and Maggie Lassiter of Ahoskie, seven nieces and four nephews. WILLIAM SPURGEON PHELPS William "Billy" Spurgeon Phelps, 58, died Wednesday afternoon, June 8, 2005 at his home. He was a warehouse manager with Dillion Supply Company with 18 years of service. Born in Bertie County, son of the late Spurgeon and Ruth Phelps. He was also affectionately known as "Catfish". He is survived by his wife, Patricia T. Phelps, sons Martin Phelps and wife Kelly of Windsor, and Jamie Phelps of Windsor, stepson, Eugene "Gene" Strickland and wife Melissa of Columbus, OH, sister, Betty Holmes and husband Ralph of Gaffney, SC, and grandson Jack Strickland. He was preceded in death by his brother, Cliff Phelps and granddaughter Madelynn Phelps. Graveside services were held Saturday, June 11, 2005 at Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery. The family received friends Saturday morning at Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W. Third St., Wendell prior to the service and at other time at the home. MAMIE L. PERRY COLERAIN - Mamie Lois Perry, died June 11, 2005. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Zion Hill Baptist Church, Colerain, by the Rev. Nathaniel Thompson. Burial will be in the Perry family cemetery. A wake will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Survivors include her husband, William "Lil Jack" Perry of Colerain; two sons, Maurice Leon Perry of Plymouth and Rudy Wendell Perry of Conway; one daughter, Belinda Perry Williams of Knightdale; six brothers, John Thomas Perry, Clarence Perry, Ellis Perry Jr., Melvin Perry, Alfred Perry and Leroy Rankins; three sisters, Bessie Bell, Dorothy Douglas and Barbara Jean Perry; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. BEATRICE LEE BROOKLYN, NY - Beatrice "Bee" Lee, 66, a native of Bertie County, died June 12, 2005 at Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn. She was born on October 5, 1938. A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander, by the Rev. Stevie Lawrence. Burial will be in Weeping Mary Baptist Church Cemetery, Lewiston. She was a member of Weeping Mary Baptist Church. She was employed with Dr. and Mrs. Arlow of Brooklyn. Survivors include her daughter, Angela Lee of Lewiston; brothers, Willie McCoy Lee and Winston Lee, both of Lewiston; and sisters, Georgia Lee of Aulander, Rosie Lee of Windsor, Ruth Margaret Lee and Annie Mae Lee, both of Lewiston. HOWARD J. JORDAN MERRY HILL - Howard Junious "Puddy Head" Jordan, died June 12, 2005 at Brian Center, Windsor. A funeral will be conducted at 12 noon Thursday at Oxley Hill Baptist Church, Merry Hill, by the Rev. Vonner G. Horton. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Survivors include his wife, Hester Louise Jordan of Merry Hill; a son, Johnny Jordan; a stepson, James Lee Cofield of Merry Hill; four brothers, James Jordan of Long Island, NY, Hubert Jordan of Boston, Mass., Ernest Jordan of Brooklyn, Leon Holley of Gates; six sisters, Evelyn Walker of Atlanta, GA., Edith Mourning, Ella Miller and Gladys Parker, all of Edenton, Carolyn Ann Jordan of Winston-Salem, Shirley Ruth Leary of Edenton; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. RUTH P. CHAMBLEE AHOSKIE - Ruth Perry Chamblee, 85, of the 200 block of NC Highway 561 E., died June 12, 2005, at Guardian Care of Ahoskie. Mrs. Chamblee was a native of Bertie County, NC, the daughter of the late Vandy and Bert Hobbs Perry, a retired sales clerk at Ahoskie Department Store, a member of Creech Memorial Baptist Church and a graduate of Murfreesboro High School, where she was valedictorian. Surviving are her husband of 64 years, Harold Wright Chamblee; two daughters, Jane Chamblee Chittu and husband Aubrey and Gloria Chamblee Cobb and husband Jeff, all f Winterville, NC; one sister, Alice Gatling of Murfreesboro, NC; a grandson, Peyton Wright Chitty and wife Heather of Wilmington, NC; a granddaughter, Paige Chitty Cassidy, Frederickburg, Va; two great-grandchildren, Paxton Aubrey Chitty of Wilmington and Bryant Edward Cassidy of Fredericksburg. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Garrett Funeral Home, with Rev. Tom Ravin and the Rev. Robert May officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today and other times at the residence. Memorial donations may be made to Creech Memorial Baptist Church, 501 South Lloyd St., Ahoskie, NC 27910. JIMMY MITCHELL MERRY HILL - Jimmy Butterton Mitchell, 71, a native of Bertie County, died June 13, 2005 at Albermarle Hospital, Elizabeth City. A graveside service was conducted Wednesday at Edgewood Cemetery by the Rev. Michael Bryant. Memorial gifts may be given to Bertie County Relay for Life, or Merry Hill Baptist Church. Walker Funeral Home was in charge. Mitchell was retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He is survived by his sister, May Mitchell Bunch of Merry Hill. ARCHIE BOND SR. KELFORD - Archie Bond Sr., died June 14, 2005 at St. Luke Pentecostal Healing Temple, Lewiston. A funeral will be conducted at 12 noon Tuesday at St. Luke Pentecostal Holiness Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A wake will be held from 6-7 p.m. Monday at Reynolds Funeral Home Chapel, Ahoskie. Survivors include a son, Archie C. Bond Jr.; one sister, Hattie Mosely of Winton; and four grandchildren. CLARA W. JONES WINDSOR - Clara Ward Jones, 79, died June 15, 2005. A funeral will be Monday at 3 p.m. in Jordan Grove Baptist Church. Hertford County Undertakers is in charge. WILLIAM SMALL JR WINDSOR - William A. Small Sr. 72, died June 15, 2005 at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. William A. Small Jr., was born May 6, 1933, the tenth of eleven children, to the late Rodney and Meta Small. Preceding him in death were Fannie, Katie, Lola, Thelma, and Joelena. He attended Merry Meta School and graduated from W.S. Etheridge High School in Windsor. He entered the United States Army right after graduation and served two years. On July 26, 1957, William was united in holy matrimony to Phefie Ore. God blessed their union with two daughters and a son. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at Cedar Landing Baptist Church by the Rev. Shelton Barnes. Burial will be in the Small Family cemetery. A wake will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Gilliam Funeral Home Chapel, Windsor. Small was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member and deacon of Cedar Landing Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Phefie Small; two daughters, Alicia Small of Windsor and Debra Bazemore of Williamston; a son, William Jr. of the home; four sisters, Sweetie Green, Alma Freeman, Frankie Pierce and Jean Holley; one brother, Roger Small; and two grandchildren. GEORGE W. LEE LEWISTON - George W. Lee, died June 16, 2005. A funeral will be Monday at noon in Mount Olive Baptist Church. Reynold Funeral Home, Ahoskie is in charge. JAMES W. WATERS POWELLSVILLE - James Edmund Waters, 77, died at Guardian Care of Ahoskie on June 16, 2005, following an extended illness. Mr. Waters was born on April 4, 1928 in Bertie County and was involved in the construction business for the majority of his life and retired from Perdue Farms as a garage manager. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 82nd Airborne and was active and lifelong member of Powellsville Baptist Church. He was also a member of American George Masonic Lodge #17 AF & AM in Murfreesboro and the Powellsville Scrub Club. Mr. Waters is survived by his wife, Shirley Blowe Waters of the home; a daughter, Donna W. Farless and husband, Roland of Edenton; three sons, Merrill Waters and wife, Cecille, Gerald Waters and wife, Rhetta, both of Powellsville, Clark Waters and wife, Nancy of Orlando, FL; step-daughters, Denise Thompson and husband, Dave of St. John, Jennifer Peede and friend, Tom Ware of Greenville; a sister, Cora Leigh W. Newbern of Colerain; eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Addie Waters; his first wife, Celia White Waters; and sisters, Helen Rae Waters and Merelynn W. Baker. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, June 20, 2005, at 11:00 a.m. at Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, Ahoskie, with burial to follow in Stoney Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Powellsville Baptist Church. JEANETTE VANDIFORD PENDLETON - Jeanette Byrum Vandiford, 64, a native of Bertie County, and formerly of Murfreesboro, died June 18, 2005 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. A funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Chapel of Massey Funeral Home by the Rev. Wint Hale. Burial will follow the service. Massey Funeral Home, Aulander, was in charge. Condolences may be sent to the family at masseyfuneralhom@netscape.net. Mrs. Vandiford was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, James "Mike" Vandiford; two sons, Michael Ray Vandiford of Powellsville and Brain Allen Vandiford of Pendleton; her father, George Byrum of Murfreesboro; three sisters, Shirley Grizzard of Ahoskie, Peggy White of Murfreesboro and Lennie Williams of Aulander; and three grandchildren. JOHNNY R. CONNER AULANDER - Mr. Johnny Ray Conner, age 72, of Bruce Farm Road, Aulander, NC, died June 21, 2005 at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie. Mr. Conner was born Oct. 21, 1932, the son of the late John Rhoden Conner and Myrtle Burkett Conner. He was a retired truck driver for Carolina Aluminum with over twenty years of service. He was preceded in death by a son, Johnny Ray Conner, Jr. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Dunning Conner; a daughter, Brenda Brickell of Conway, NC; his sons, Wayne Meeks of Ahoskie, NC and Larry Meeks of Eure; three brothers, James Conner and his wife Barbara of Williamston, NC; Billy Conner and his wife Rose of Aulander, NC and Carroll Conner and his wife Miriam of Harrellsville, NC; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Also several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held, Friday, June 24, 2005 at 3 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Aulander, NC with the Rev. Earl Whittermore and the Rev. J.N. Baggett officiating. Burial will follow at Aulander Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Massey Funeral Home in Aulander, NC, Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at masseyfuneralhom@netscape.net. PEGGY C. WILLIFORD WINDSOR - Peggy C. Williford, 70, died June 22, 2005. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Edgewood Baptist. Walker Funeral Home is in charge. JOSEPH ARNOLD "BUCKWHEAT" HARRIS AULANDER - Mr. Joseph Arnold "Buckwheat" Harris, 65, of Roanoke Rapids, died Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at Halifax Regional Medical Center in Roanoke Rapids. He was a native of Bertie County. Mr. Harris was born Sept 6, 1939. He was preceded in death by his father Leroy Harris, Sr.; and a sister, Dianne Harris Cooke. He worked with A&P Grocery Stores for many years as a produce manager. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Phelps of Ahoskie; his mother, Nonie White Harris of Aulander; his brothers, Leroy Harris Jr. of Roanoke Rapids and Reese Harris of Manteo; two grandchildren, Lindsey and Ethan Phelps; and a great-grandson, Landan Phelps. Massey Funeral Home in Aulander is handling the arrangements, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 25, with the Rev. Robert May and the Rev. Tom Ravan officiating. Burial will follow in Aulander Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m., today, June 24, at the funeral home. Flowers are welcomed, however memorial donations may be made t the Aulander Rescue Squad, Aulander, NC 27805. NAOMI P. COPELAND MERRY HILL - Naomi Pierce Copeland, 78, died June 24, 2005. She was born in Bertie County on April 1, 1927 to the late Maggie Mizelle and John Henry Pierce, Sr. and was predeceased by her sister, Dessie Williams. Mrs. Copeland was a member of Windsor Assembly of God and retired from Richard Cooper Insurance Agency. Survivors include her daughter Angelia Black of Merry Hill, her son Bill Copeland of Merry Hill, her brother John Henry Pierce, Jr. of Windsor, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. The family received friends Saturday, June 25, 2005 at Walker Funeral Home and at other times from Mrs. Copeland's home. Memorial gifts may be made to the Windsor Assembly of God 1505 South King St. Windsor, NC 27983 A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in Windsor Assembly of God. Walker Funeral Home, Windsor, is in charge. SIMON BAZEMORE SR. WINDSOR - Simon Peter Bazemore Sr., 89, a native of Bertie County, died June 27, 2005 at his residence. He was the son of the late Henry Bazemore, Sr. and Arie V. Williams Bazemore was born May 19, 1916. He was united in Holy Matrimony to May Kinnie Bond (deceased) as a young man. This union was blessed with nine children. Two sons preceded him in death, Adolph Bazemore and Julio Bazemore. A funeral will be conducted at 12 noon Friday at Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church by the Rev. John E. Taylor. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery. Wilder's Funeral Home, Inc., Aulander, is in charge. Bazemore was a member of Zion Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He was a retired self-employed logger. Survivors include his children, Simon P. Bazemore, Jr. of New York, Levi Bazemore of Raleigh, Paul Bazemore of Windsor, Shirley Taylor of Windsor, Faye Anderson of Windsor, Miriam Bazemore of Suffolk, VA., Floretta Holley of Merry Hill, and Vera Cofield of Williamston; sisters, Elizabeth Bond of New York, Dorothy Watson of Philadelphia, PA., and Bertha Angel of Windsor; brothers, William Bazemore and Timothy Bazemore, both of Windsor and Phillip Bazemore of Monroe; 30 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. MURRAY E. PHELPS WINDSOR - Murray Elmo Phelps, 78, a native of Aulander, died June 28, 2005 at his home. He was the widower of Sarah Cowand Phelps. Mr. Ohelps was born in Aulander, NC of August 7, 1926 to the late Miles and Frances Cale Phelps. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Dennis J. Conner and the Rev. Jack Byrd. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to University Hospice Care, PO Box 74, Ahoskie, NC 27910. Phelps was a former building inspector for both Bertie and Hertford counties and an Army veteran of World War II. He was also a member of Cashie Baptist Church and Charity Lodge #5. Survivors include three daughters, Hazel Davis and Ann Phelps, both of Williamston and Ellen Davenport of Windsor; a son, Robert Phelps of Williamston; a sister, Thersa P. Lewis of Windsor; a brother, Roger I. Phelps of Windsor; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. SANDRA D. CLARK AULANDER - Sandra Devion Clark, 42, a native of Bertie County, died June 29, 2005 at Pitt Memorial Hospital, Greenville. A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday at Wilder's Funeral Home Chapel, Aulander. Miss Clark was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church, Lewiston. Survivors include her mother, Shirley Clark of Windsor; her father, Booker T. Thompson of Lewiston; a daughter, Latasha M. Clark of Aulander; and a brother, Anthony Clark of Aulander. BLANCHE SPRUILL COLERAIN - Blanche Spruill, died June 29, 2005 at her residence. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Colerain, by the Rev. Vernon Lassiter. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Reynolds Funeral Home, Inc., Ahoskie, is in charge. Survivors include on son, Lassie Spruill Jr. of Colerain; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. ROBERT F. BLAKE SR. AHOSKIE - Robert Frank Blake, Sr., 75, of Evergreen Street, died Thursday, June 30, 2005, in Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. Mr. Blake was born in Roxobel, NC, a son of the late John Frank and Bertha Deaton Blake. He was a member of Creech Memorial Baptist Church, Woodmen of the World, the Roanoke Rapids Moose Lodge and American Legion and was a Navy veteran of the Korean conflict. He was retired as a medical technologist and radiologists. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Nobles Blake; daughters, Debbie Osborn and husband Gregg of Columbus, GA, Robin Lancaster and husband, Ronald of Peachtree City, GA, Ellen Peele and husband Jason of Richmond, VA; a son, Robert F. Blake, Jr. and wife, Janet of Fernandina Beach, FL; a sister, Betty Ann Wrenn of Roanoke Rapids, NC; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a special niece, Patricia Longworth of Cleveland, OH. He was predeceased by a daughter, Brenda Kennedy McPherson of Wilmington, NC. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2005 at 2 p.m. in Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington, NC, with the Rev. Kevin Ross and Rev. Tom Ravan, officiating. The service will conclude with military honors. The family received friends at Garrett Funeral Home, Ahoskie, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 1, 2005. Memorial donations may be made to Creech Memorial Baptist Church, 501 South Lloyd Street, Ahoskie, NC 27910.