Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Mr. Jack Alexis Blakely, 79, of the Red Hill Community, who died peacefully on Monday, Aug. 12, at his residence. Burial with military honors followed in Red Hill Cemetery. Dr. Cecil Fayard, the Rev. Michael Payton and the Rev. Chris McElroy officiated.
Jack was born on May 18, 1945, in Grenada, the son of the late Shed Hill and the late Lena Belle Collins Blakely. He spent a lifetime in service to his country. Jack honorably served in the Mississippi Army National Guard where he retired with 38 years of service as a Sergeant First Class. He also worked for more than 20 years as a technician at the UTES Shop at Camp McCain where he maintained armored track vehicles.
Jack enjoyed crappie fishing, woodworking and spending time outdoors. Tending to his vegetable garden in the summertime was among his favorite things to do. Jack found great pleasure in sharing the fruits of his labor with his friends and neighbors. Jack was a gifted conversationalist and never met a stranger. While Jack’s relationship with Jesus was paramount to him, he will also long be remembered as a man deeply devoted to his family. He was a member of Elliott Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, one son, Darian Alexis Blakely; two sisters, Vivian Dickson and Virginia Rocha Thompson, and one brother, Terrell Blakely, preceded Jack in death.
Survivors include, his wife of 57 years, Phyllis Blakely; daughter, Chanda Blakely Reed (Phillip); one son, Damon Blakely (Carrie); two sisters, Mamie Fowler and Yvonna Threadgill; one brother, Joe Max Blakely; grandchildren, Seth Reed, Riley Reed, Chloe Blakely, Beau Blakely and Kaleigh Reed and one great grandchild, Hattie Grace Reed.
Beau Blakely, Barry Clark, Cameron Dunn, Ricky Johnson, David Newton, Phillip Reed, Riley Reed and Seth Reed honored Jack by serving as pallbearers and carried him to rest in Red Hill Cemetery. Jessie Allen, Jerone Funderburg, Bob Lott, Jerry McNeer, Charles Norris, Kenny Parker and Ricky Swanson served as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Elliott Baptist Church.
The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the Tallahatchie General Hospital Rehabilitation Unit and Nursing Home as well as the staff of Adoration Hospice of Grenada for the exceptional care provided to Jack and our family.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
