Blakney Lynn Gower

Blakney Lynn Gower, a lifelong Memphian, passed away on December 10, 2023. Born to Brenda and Sonny Gower, Blakney was brother to Sunne Kae Richards and a beloved and devoted father to his sons, Harvey and Sam. His family extended to his large network his dearest friends who knew him to be a gifted man of many talents and interests with a gregarious personality that touched the heart of everyone he met.

Blakney attended St. Louis Elementary and Christian Brothers High School, where he made a score of lifelong friends who he called “the fellas”. He furthered his education at the University of Tennessee, where he honed his notable gift of communication and his infamous impersonation of John Ward’s “Give him 6”. After UT, he ran his family business, Faith Tank & Manufacturing, and ultimately, he found his dream job at Memphis Vinyl Pressing where he was able to blend his deep love of music into his career.

Blakney was a man of many passions and talents. He had a joy for music, literature, and art, spending his free time immersed in exploration of cultural experiences. He was particularly fond of Memphis music, photography, and films from the 1930s and 40s, a testament to his appreciation for classic culture. His love for cooking was well known among his friends and family, who often gathered around his table to enjoy a meal and share in his infectious storytelling.

A sports enthusiast, Blakney was a dedicated fan of the Memphis Grizzlies, UT Football, and the St. Louis Cardinals, and he shared his love for sports with his sons with his hilarious running commentaries.

He was devoted to his Catholic faith, and he served as a lector and eucharistic minister over the years at several churches in Memphis.

Blakney was known for his rapier wit and humor, bringing lightness and jubilance to those around him. His kindness was evident in his interactions with everyone he met, and his gift for storytelling made him a captivating presence. He was a Renaissance man in every sense of the word, constantly seeking knowledge and sharing his wisdom with those around him.

His love and devotion to his sons were unparalleled. He taught them the importance of kindness, loyalty, and humor, lessons they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. In three words, Blakney was funny, kind, and engaging, but these words only scratch the surface of the man we celebrate.

A visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Cathedral at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 followed by a service at 2:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate the life of a man who touched so many with his kindness and humor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Blakney's name to International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders. His love for his community was evident in his actions, and it is the family's hope that his legacy will continue to inspire kindness and generosity.

Blakney Lynn Gower will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His memory will live on in the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave. He was a man of great character, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.