COL (Ret) Thomas Benjamin Blake

Thomas Benjamin Blake, age 97, was born on August 6, 1923 in Faunsdale, AL and passed away on January 13, 2021. He spent his youth in Autauga County and served as a Marine in the South Pacific in WWII. On his return, he married Mary Claire Reid and earned a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Alabama. He rose to the rank of Colonel during his 28 year career in the Army, serving with distinction and honor. After retirement in 1974, he returned to Alabama, living in Hayneville until his death.

He was preceded in death by his greatly loved wife of 56 years, Mary Claire Reid Blake, his son-in-law, Carl Kellum, his siblings: Gene Gaston, George Blake, Webb Blake, and James Blake, cousins: Elizabeth Hooper and Ballard Blake.

Survivors left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 19 years, Joyce Harrell Blake and daughters: Sarah (Bill) Meadows, Anne (Jent) Mitchell, Becky Kellum, and his wife’s children, loved as his own: John (Ann) Harrell, Rebecca Harrell, and Susan (Marty) Mann. He was proud of his grandchildren: Laura (Jim) Blue, Jennifer (David) Smith, Kathleen (Tim) Haines, Tom (Susie) Meadows, Jentry Mitchell, Thomas Mitchell, Martha (Michael) Hovater, Luke (Lindsay) Kellum, Jim (Sara) Kellum, and Ben (Rachel) Kellum, Maggie Harrell, Wesley (Aeron) Harrell, Davis Mann, and Trent Mann. His blessings were magnified by 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his strength of character, candor, and work ethic. He was loved and respected by many, including men from his battalion in Germany, who maintained a warm relationship with him across 50 years. He enjoyed golfing, gardening, building furniture, serving in Hayneville Christian Methodist Church, and spending time with his family.

Pallbearers are Bill Meadows and the grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Gates, Mac McCurdy, Caswell McCurdy, Ronnie Holladay, Tom Chesnutt, Leon Davis, Carl Stephenson, Robbins Taylor, Jackie Bushman, Fred Lacey, Jess Anderson, and members of the Hayneville Christian Methodist Church.

Due to the COVID pandemic, a private family service will be held with burial in Ft. Deposit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hayneville Christian Methodist Church, PO Box 173, Hayneville, AL 36040 or United Methodist Christian Children’s Home, 3140 Zelda Ct., Suite 100, Montgomery, AL 36177-9257.