At his request, a private family funeral service will be held at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo Chapel for Samuel Caruthers Blakely, 97, who died on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Tupelo. He will be buried beside his wife at Bethel Methodist Church in Carroll County.
Mr. Blakely was born on Oct. 30, 1928, in Webster County, the son of the late William Henry Blakely and the late Josephine Lishman Blakely. He attended schools in Montgomery, Leflore and Carroll counties as well as John Rundle High School in Grenada. He was a life-long learner, reading a wide variety of literature. Greatly valuing education, he provided constant encouragement and support to his daughter, son-in-law, grandson and granddaughter-in-law in their pursuit of college degrees.
Mr. Blakely lived and worked in Grenada for many years, retiring at the Tie Plant facility of Koppers Company as assistant plant manager after 30 years of service. He was a Third Degree Mason and a proud member of Sons of the American Revolution, having an ancestor who fought under the command of Washington and Lafayette. He was also an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed all aspects of nature. He was a member of the United Methodist Church.
Mr. Blakely married Motell Herbert on March 9, 1947, and they enjoyed 65 happy years together before her death in 2012. They were wonderful parents to their only daughter, Frances Blakely Williams. In his later years, after moving to Tupelo, he enjoyed exercising at the Wellness Center and drinking coffee with his friends there.
In addition to his parents and his wife, two brothers, J.W. Blakely and Roy Blakely, and three sisters, Eloise Little, Frances Delores Nail and Doris Andrews, preceded Mr. Blakely in death.
Survivors include, his daughter, Dr. Frances Blakely Williams; son-in-law, Phillip K. Williams; grandson, Phillip Blakely Williams and his wife, Amy Livingston Williams, and his great granddaughter, Riley Blakely Williams.
Mr. Blakely was a dignified Southern gentleman of quiet strength who loved his family deeply. His special was the company of his great granddaughter. He will be greatly missed.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com
Holland Funeral Directors in Tupelo is in charge of arrangements.
