Marlin "Jay" Blake

Marlin “Jay” Blake, age 93, two days short of being 94 years old, of the Union Temple Community on Kingsport Highway, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Nova Health and Rehab Center in Weber City, Virginia.

Jay graduated from Baileyton High School in 1947.

He served in the U.S. Army from February 1951 until January 1953. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC), of the 1343rd Engineer Combat Battalion.

He was employed by Holston Defense Corp. from 1966 until 1975, and employed with Tennessee Eastman Co. from May 1975 until he retired in 1991.

Jay was a full-time farmer for his entire life. He raised dairy, tobacco, and hay.

He was raised in the former Union Temple Evangelical United Brethren Church. And was a member of Pleasant Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent, Song Leader, and Member of the Choir.

Jay is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty Moore Blake; sons, Clark Blake of Columbus, Ohio, Kevin Blake of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Travis (Courtney) Blake of Nashville, Tennessee; granddaughters, Ivy and Erin Brame-Blake of Nashville; as well as several nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bloomy and Mary Bright Blake; brothers, Glenn, Doyle, and Kline Blake; and sisters, Ina Robertson, Dorothy Keen, and Bessie Egan. Also preceding him in death are several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Lesa McDonald Rose.

Family will receive friends at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 2pm – 3pm.

The funeral service will be at 3pm, officiated by Lay Leader Marcy Brooks.

A procession to the graveside will follow at Union Temple Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home

125 Idletime Drive, Greeneville, TN, 37743

423-636-8007