It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Gary Lee Blake, 70, of Valrico, Florida on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
Gary was born on July 27, 1952, in Greenville, Kentucky to Okis and Modell Blake. Gary attended Belleville Township High School East in Belleville, Illinois and following high school, Gary joined the US Army in 1970. Shortly thereafter, he married his high school sweetheart. For 21 years, Gary worked the Signal Corp during which he received many military awards and achievements, some including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. During those military years, Gary served in Korea and three overseas tours in Germany, as well as stateside assignments. His most memorable assignment was when he was stationed in Idaho training reservists and spent many happy hours fishing the Snake River. Aside from his military responsibilities, his most prideful assignment was caring for his family and providing opportunities to travel and see the world. His final assignment before retiring was at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida where he was the 1SG for the Joint Services Command.
After completion of his military career, Gary then worked 21 years for the Brandon Post Office as a mail carrier. He was greatly loved and appreciated by his customers because he would always go above and beyond to make sure they were happy.
Gary's greatest joys in his life were his family, hunting, fishing and his amazing ability to wheel and deal. In those final months, it was most important to him that his family and friends knew how much he loved them.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Deddria (nee Reeder); children, Rebecca (Sean) Allen, Jennifer (John) Eli, Jeremy (Sarah) Blake; eight grandchildren--Emily (Joe) Smolek, Amanda Allen, Sarah Allen, Katie Eli, Emily Eli, Blake Eli, Dallas Blake, and McKenzie Blake; sisters, Mary (Mike) Schanot and Kim Treat; brother, Roger Blake and many nieces, nephews and close friends.
A celebration of Gary's life will be held at Bay Life Church in Brandon, Florida, on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM.
We are grateful to LifePath Hospice for their excellent care during his illness and for helping to make his last moments peaceful and comfortable.
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Celebration of Life Service
28
Jul
1017 Kingsway Road
Brandon, FL 33510
